AMSTERDAM – Bulls have held a significant place in human history, symbolizing power, fertility, and creation across various ancient cultures. From the sacred bull of Zoroastrian cosmology to the ritualistic Tauroctony of Mithraic traditions, humanity’s relationship with bulls has spanned millennia. Today, a new chapter unfolds as scientists and conservationists strive to bring back the aurochs, the wild ancestor of domestic cattle, to restore the ecological balance once maintained by these mighty beasts.
In Zoroastrian cosmology, the primordial bull represents life and creation. This ancient Persian religion holds that the bull’s sacrifice led to the birth of life on Earth, positioning the bull as a central figure in the cycle of life and rebirth. This reverence for bulls echoes across time, finding a similar expression in the Roman Mithraic mysteries, where Mithras, a god central to this mystery religion, is depicted in a ritual act known as the Tauroctony. Here, Mithras slays a bull, often accompanied by a snake, dog, and scorpion, each bearing symbolic significance.
The Tauroctony scene is laden with themes of life, death, and resurrection. Scholars have long debated its meaning, with some suggesting astrological associations. The bull is linked to the constellation Taurus, while other creatures present in the scene correspond to additional celestial symbols. These rituals, which were especially popular among Roman soldiers from the 1st to 4th centuries CE, took place in underground temples known as Mithraea, which were scattered throughout the Roman Empire. The bull’s sacrifice, it seems, was believed to sustain the universe, reaffirming its enduring role in the fabric of life.
Bull mosaic – Ishtar Gate – Pergamonmuseum – Berlin [Photo Credit: José Luiz CCA-SA 4.0
Bulls as Symbols of Power and Fertility
Beyond Zoroastrianism and Mithraism, the symbolism of the bull has resonated across many other ancient cultures. The Minoans of Crete, for instance, revered bulls in their religious ceremonies, performing acrobatic feats over bulls, a practice known as bull-leaping. Bulls also appear prominently in the myth of the Minotaur, a half-man, half-bull creature that lived in a labyrinth and was eventually slain by the hero Theseus.
Similarly, ancient Mesopotamian civilizations, including the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians, all held bulls in high esteem. These animals symbolized strength and fertility and were often associated with gods and royal power. In the Indus Valley, bulls adorned seals and were likely revered for their association with agriculture and sustenance.
This deep-seated reverence for bulls even predates these cultures. Thirty thousand years ago, Stone Age hunters painted mythical creatures resembling bulls on cave walls. This enduring symbol leads us into the modern era, where an extraordinary effort is underway to bring back the aurochs, an ancient wild bull that once roamed Europe.
Rewilding the Aurochs
The aurochs, now extinct for nearly four centuries, once shaped the landscapes and biodiversity of Europe. The last aurochs died in 1627 in Poland, a victim of habitat loss and overhunting. Yet the aurochs left a legacy: its DNA lives on in some ancient cattle breeds. Since the early 2000s, scientists have worked to revive the aurochs’ ecological role through selective breeding of cattle genetically closest to the aurochs. The result is the tauros, a breed created to replicate the appearance, behavior, and environmental impact of the aurochs as closely as possible.
The Tauros project is part of a broader effort to reintroduce these beasts to landscapes where their ancestors once thrived. Trees for Life, a rewilding charity, plans to establish Britain’s first tauros herd at its 4,000-hectare Dundreggan estate near Loch Ness. “Introducing the aurochs-like tauros to the Highlands four centuries after their wild ancestors were driven to extinction will refill a vital but empty ecological niche,” said Steve Micklewright, chief executive of Trees for Life. He believes that reintroducing tauros will offer valuable insights into how these animals can help tackle current environmental crises, such as biodiversity loss and climate change.
Tauros have demonstrated their ecological prowess in various European studies, showing that they help create diverse habitats and support a range of wildlife. Rutting tauros, for example, dig “bull pits” with their hooves and horns, which become microhabitats for insects and plants. Their grazing patterns also foster a mosaic of habitats, supporting greater biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
Bringing back the aurochs is no simple task, but modern science has made significant strides. The first complete genome sequencing of the aurochs in 2011 was a critical breakthrough, allowing researchers to “back-breed” cattle breeds to match the genetic blueprint of the aurochs. These animals are genetically classified as domestic cattle, but they closely resemble the aurochs in size and behavior, with bulls reaching shoulder heights of up to 180 centimeters, dwarfing many modern cattle breeds.
While previous efforts to revive the aurochs, such as the Heck cattle of the 1920s, have faced challenges, the tauros have been bred from six ancient cattle breeds known for their placid nature towards humans. This makes them suitable for rewilding projects that aim to coexist with human populations, enabling people to experience firsthand the awe of these magnificent creatures.
“Our tauros project is about looking forward while learning from the past as we restore nature-rich landscapes that support wildlife and people,” Micklewright says. He envisions a future where the tauros help rebuild lost ecosystems and inspire a new generation to appreciate the natural world.
As these animals return to the landscapes of Europe, they carry with them the echoes of ancient reverence. Their presence connects us to a primordial past, where bulls symbolized creation and life itself—a reminder of our deep and enduring bond with nature’s untamed majesty.
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