A Cultural History of Animals in Antiquity [Hardcover]

Choice Outstanding Academic Title, 2008

Animals had a ubiquitous and central presence in the ancient world. A Cultural History of Animals In Antiquity presents an extraordinarily broad assessment of animal cultures from 2500 BC to 1000 AD, describing how animals were an intrinsic part of the spiritual life of ancient society, how they were hunted, domesticated and used for entertainment, and the roles animals played in ancient science and philosophy.

Since much of what we know about animals in antiquity is gleaned from the images left by our ancestors, the book presents a wealth of illustrations. Seminal ancient narratives about animals - including works from Aristotle, Plutarch, Ovid and Pliny the Elder - are also drawn upon to illustrate contemporary ideas about and attitudes towards animals.

A Cultural History of Animals in Antiquitypresents an overview of the period and continues with essays on the position of animals in contemporary symbolism, hunting, domestication, sports and entertainment, science, philosophy, and art.

The Cultural History of Animals presents an innovative and compelling introduction to current scholarship about the historical relationships between people and other animals. Harriet Ritvo, Arthur J. Conner Professor of History, M.I.T.

An innovative and ambitious project that synthesizes knowledge of animals as living creatures and their symbolic representations... an invaluable contribution to our understanding... A combination of surprise and entertainment with serious research gives these volumes a place in the best tradition of accessible science. Bernd H?ppauf, New York University for H-Soz-u-Kult

High quality editing, clear writing, and abundant visual illustrations ... TlCB