Dear Zooarchers -- Vindolanda has produced what I believe is the vertebra
of a tortoise -- the element is the most anterior one that is involved in
supporting the carapace. It cannot be from a turtle, for not only is it
much too big but the transverse processes have too much 'loft' to them.
Tip to tip across the transverse processes measures 7 cm, and the vertebra
runs about 4 cm antero-posteriorly, so we are talking about a tortoise
with a rather high arch to the carapace; the individual would, I estimate,
have been at least knee-high to walk up to him.
Can someone advise me of literature pertaining to African tortoises, so
that I can get a start on comparing this out to at least genus?
And does anyone know of literature references for tortoises from
Romano-British sites?
They were either using this fellow for a suitcase or else they had turtle
soup for dinner (for about six months). Thank you very much, folks. Cheers
-- Deb Bennett
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