Alongside the remains of beloved animals, there were letters on papyrus written by Roman centurions, or commanders, detailing trade and military organisation in the province.

The skeletons of more than 200 cats, dogs, calves, and monkeys were found in specially-made graves where they were preserved with care and effort.

The Romans who lived there seemed to favour owning macaques from two different species native to India as pets. This could only mean that they arrived via the Indian Ocean and Red Sea, and would have likely been an expensive import that conveyed status as well as offered companionship.