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Egypt
The modern housecat was likely domesticated in 4th millennium Egypt, when tabby African wildcats were invited into the human community. In Egypt, they were not only important for controlling vermin, but paintings depict cats used for hunting birds. Their ancestors roam throughout archaeological sites today, often begging for treats and earning nicknames from lonely archaeologists (like Bagheera, pictured here in Ashkelon).
During the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1550 BC), Egypt maintained a presence in the land of Israel, with governors posted along important trade routes, such as Bethshean and Aphek, which guarded the bottleneck from the Via Maris to the Jezreel Valley. This palace excavated among the Crusader ruins at Aphek (later Antipatris) reveal a luxurious multi-level structure where the Egyptian governor would have lived and overseen the taxation and trade in the region.
