Animals in the Ancient World from A to Z

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Biological Sciences, Zoology, History, Ancient History
Cover of the book Animals in the Ancient World from A to Z by Kenneth F. Kitchell Jr., Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Kenneth F. Kitchell Jr. ISBN: 9781317577423
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: June 23, 2014
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Kenneth F. Kitchell Jr.
ISBN: 9781317577423
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: June 23, 2014
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

The ancient Greeks and Romans lived in a world teeming with animals. Animals were integral to ancient commerce, war, love, literature and art. Inside the city they were found as pets, pests, and parasites. They could be sacred, sacrificed, liminal, workers, or intruders from the wild. Beyond the city domesticated animals were herded and bred for profit and wild animals were hunted for pleasure and gain alike. Specialists like Aristotle, Aelian, Pliny and Seneca studied their anatomy and behavior. Geographers and travelers described new lands in terms of their animals. Animals are to be seen on every possible artistic medium, woven into cloth and inlaid into furniture. They are the subject of proverbs, oaths and dreams. Magicians, physicians and lovers turned to animals and their parts for their crafts. They paraded before kings, inhabited palaces, and entertained the poor in the arena. Quite literally, animals pervaded the ancient world from A-Z.

In entries ranging from short to long, Kenneth Kitchell offers insight into this commonly overlooked world, covering representative and intriguing examples of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. Familiar animals such as the cow, dog, fox and donkey are treated along with more exotic animals such as the babirussa, pangolin, and dugong. The evidence adduced ranges from Minoan times to the Late Roman Empire and is taken from archaeology, ancient authors, inscriptions, papyri, coins, mosaics and all other artistic media. Whenever possible reasoned identifications are given for ancient animal names and the realities behind animal lore are brought forth. Why did the ancients think hippopotamuses practiced blood letting on themselves? How do you catch a monkey? Why were hyenas thought to be hermaphroditic? Was there really a vampire moth? Entries are accompanied by full citations to ancient authors and an extensive bibliography.

Of use to Classics students and scholars, but written in a style designed to engage anyone interested in Greco-Roman antiquity, Animals in the Ancient World from A to Z reveals the extent and importance of the animal world to the ancient Greeks and Romans. It answers many questions, asks several more, and seeks to stimulate further research in this important field.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The ancient Greeks and Romans lived in a world teeming with animals. Animals were integral to ancient commerce, war, love, literature and art. Inside the city they were found as pets, pests, and parasites. They could be sacred, sacrificed, liminal, workers, or intruders from the wild. Beyond the city domesticated animals were herded and bred for profit and wild animals were hunted for pleasure and gain alike. Specialists like Aristotle, Aelian, Pliny and Seneca studied their anatomy and behavior. Geographers and travelers described new lands in terms of their animals. Animals are to be seen on every possible artistic medium, woven into cloth and inlaid into furniture. They are the subject of proverbs, oaths and dreams. Magicians, physicians and lovers turned to animals and their parts for their crafts. They paraded before kings, inhabited palaces, and entertained the poor in the arena. Quite literally, animals pervaded the ancient world from A-Z.

In entries ranging from short to long, Kenneth Kitchell offers insight into this commonly overlooked world, covering representative and intriguing examples of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. Familiar animals such as the cow, dog, fox and donkey are treated along with more exotic animals such as the babirussa, pangolin, and dugong. The evidence adduced ranges from Minoan times to the Late Roman Empire and is taken from archaeology, ancient authors, inscriptions, papyri, coins, mosaics and all other artistic media. Whenever possible reasoned identifications are given for ancient animal names and the realities behind animal lore are brought forth. Why did the ancients think hippopotamuses practiced blood letting on themselves? How do you catch a monkey? Why were hyenas thought to be hermaphroditic? Was there really a vampire moth? Entries are accompanied by full citations to ancient authors and an extensive bibliography.

Of use to Classics students and scholars, but written in a style designed to engage anyone interested in Greco-Roman antiquity, Animals in the Ancient World from A to Z reveals the extent and importance of the animal world to the ancient Greeks and Romans. It answers many questions, asks several more, and seeks to stimulate further research in this important field.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book The Politics of Fresh Water by Kenneth F. Kitchell Jr.
Cover of the book Utilitarianism by Kenneth F. Kitchell Jr.
Cover of the book The Symbolic and Connectionist Paradigms by Kenneth F. Kitchell Jr.
Cover of the book Cultural Sustainability and the Nature-Culture Interface by Kenneth F. Kitchell Jr.
Cover of the book Psychology and Social Problems (Psychology Revivals) by Kenneth F. Kitchell Jr.
Cover of the book Leigh Hunt by Kenneth F. Kitchell Jr.
Cover of the book The Lure of the Transcendent by Kenneth F. Kitchell Jr.
Cover of the book Financial Econometrics by Kenneth F. Kitchell Jr.
Cover of the book An End to the Crisis of Empirical Sociology? by Kenneth F. Kitchell Jr.
Cover of the book Feminist Thinkers and the Demands of Femininity by Kenneth F. Kitchell Jr.
Cover of the book Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder by Kenneth F. Kitchell Jr.
Cover of the book Can We Teach Intelligence? by Kenneth F. Kitchell Jr.
Cover of the book Blixa Bargeld and Einstürzende Neubauten: German Experimental Music by Kenneth F. Kitchell Jr.
Cover of the book Pharmaceutical Industry and Public Policy in Post-reform India by Kenneth F. Kitchell Jr.
Cover of the book Eschatology as Imagining the End by Kenneth F. Kitchell Jr.
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy