As with many quadrupeds used for food today, the diet of the animal has a great effect on the taste of the meat, even if it is only very subtle. Recently, Israeli archaeologist believe that they have identified seasonal use of the Qesem Cave in central Israel. Among the standard finds that indicate civilization bones broken for marrow, skinning of animal hides, stone tool production as well as a cooking area, archaeologists were also able to distinguish between different types of animal cadavers based on their respective diets.
    In this case, the deer brought to the hearth in the cave had a different diet than the ones found in the area for 'marrow production'. A similar pattern was discovered when examining the bones of horses in the caves.
    The cave, dated to between 420,000 to 20,000 years ago, showed signs of seasonal use rather than being a permanent home, based on the finds of animal teeth. This raises the possibility, however loosely, of identifying areas of use and occupation based on the diets of the early humans in the area based on the seasons. "We don't know of anything like this anywhere else in the world, certainly not so ancient." Dr. Barkai says.

Edited from Haaretz (10 November 2021)