Scientists discover oldest known dog bones

Scientists have uncovered the oldest dog bones known to science—a dog that lived approximately 15,800 years ago, Reuters writes.

The new genetic research sheds light on when humans first domesticated dogs. The bones were discovered in the Pinarbasi rock shelter site in Turkey. Researchers note that this dog is roughly 5,000 years older than the previously oldest genetically confirmed dog.

This and similar studies show that dogs were already widely present in human societies thousands of years ago, even before the advent of agriculture, and were an integral part of human culture.