When did domestic rats first appear? - briefly
Domesticated rats emerged in the late 19th century, roughly the 1880s, when selective breeding for laboratory research and companionship began. They originated from Norway and black rat populations that had long lived in close association with human habitats.
When did domestic rats first appear? - in detail
Archaeological records indicate that the first instances of rat domestication occurred during the early phases of the Bronze Age, roughly between 3000 and 2500 BC. Excavations at sites in the Near East, particularly in Mesopotamia and the Levant, have uncovered rat bones associated with human waste deposits and storage facilities, suggesting a close commensal relationship that later evolved into purposeful breeding.
The primary species involved were the black rat (Rattus rattus) and, later, the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus). Evidence from ancient granaries shows that black rats were attracted to stored grain, leading to their integration into human settlements. By the third millennium BC, selective breeding for tameness and reduced aggressiveness appears in the material record, as indicated by a higher proportion of juvenile remains and lower incidence of trauma compared to wild counterparts.
Key factors that facilitated the transition from wild pest to domestic animal include:
- Development of permanent storage structures that provided a reliable food source.
- Urbanization that created dense, sheltered environments.
- Human practices such as feeding and selective culling, which reduced fear responses.
Historical documents from ancient Egypt, dating to the Middle Kingdom (c. 2050–1650 BC), describe rats kept in cages for ritual purposes, confirming an established role beyond mere infestation. Similar references appear in early Chinese texts from the Shang dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BC), where rats were mentioned in agricultural manuals as controlled populations.
By the Classical period, domesticated rats were recognized across the Mediterranean, serving both as laboratory subjects for early naturalists and as pets among the elite. The spread of the Norway rat during the Roman Empire accelerated the domestication process, as the species adapted quickly to urban environments and human-provided food.
In summary, rat domestication emerged in the Bronze Age, driven by agricultural storage practices and urban development, with documented evidence spanning the Near East, Egypt, and China, and continued refinement through the Classical era.