Dogs—Loyal Companions from Egypt to Rome
Dogs have been humanity’s companions for tens of thousands of years, and ancient civilizations held them in high regard for both practical and emotional reasons. Archaeological evidence suggests that dogs were domesticated between 14,000 and 40,000 years ago, likely from wild gray wolves in Eurasia. By the time of ancient Egypt, they had become an integral part of daily life, serving as hunters, guards, and cherished pets.
In Egypt, dogs were not only working animals but also beloved companions. They were given names—some of which, like Nefer (“Beautiful”) and Meniupu (“He is a shepherd”), have been found in inscriptions. Egyptian artwork repeatedly depicts dogs sitting beside their owners, and some were even mummified and buried with their human families, a testament to their deep emotional bond. Certain breeds, such as sighthounds resembling modern greyhounds or salukis, were particularly favored by the elite.
The Romans, too, valued dogs immensely. They were used for guarding homes, herding livestock, and even assisting in military operations. Roman mosaics repeatedly feature the phrase Cave Canem (“Beware of the Dog”), indicating their role as protectors. However, they were also seen as affectionate pets, with some owners commissioning tombstones honoring their departed canine friends.
Across these civilizations, dogs were more than just animals—they were trusted companions who shared in the daily lives of humans, a role they continue to play today.
Cats—Sacred Animals in Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egypt’s fascination with cats went far beyond mere domestication; these animals were woven into the very fabric of Egyptian society, both as practical companions and spiritual symbols. Initially, cats were valued for their ability to control pests such as rodents and snakes, which threatened food supplies stored in granaries. Their efficiency in protecting these vital resources made them indispensable to Egyptian households as early as 10,000 years ago, when their domestication began in Mesopotamia before spreading to Egypt (Discover Magazine).
However, their role quickly transcended mere utility. Cats became associated with powerful deities, most notably Bastet, the goddess of protection, fertility, and domestic harmony. Initially depicted as a lioness, Bastet’s image evolved into that of a domesticated cat, reflecting the growing reverence for these animals in Egyptian culture. Killing a cat, even accidentally, was considered a grave crime, punishable by severe legal consequences (PetMojo). This level of reverence extended to elaborate burial practices—many cats were mummified and placed in tombs alongside their owners, signifying a belief that they provided protection in the afterlife. Archaeological discoveries in cities like Bubastis and Saqqara reveal mass cat cemeteries, further underscoring their sacred status.
Egyptians also adorned their feline companions with gold jewelry and elaborate collars, a testament to their esteemed position in society. Beyond their religious significance, cats were depicted in art, lounging beneath chairs in tomb paintings, symbolizing their integration into family life. Their dual role as both protectors and divine creatures ensured that cats remained central to Egyptian civilization for millennia, a legacy that endures in modern depictions of ancient Egypt today.
Monkeys—Exotic Pets for the Wealthy in Asia and Rome
Monkeys were among the most prized exotic pets in ancient societies, particularly among the wealthy in Rome and parts of Asia. These animals were not domesticated in the same way as dogs or cats, but their human-like behaviors made them fascinating companions for the elite. In ancient Rome, monkeys were imported from distant regions, including Africa and India, through extensive trade networks. Archaeological evidence from Roman Egypt even suggests that macaques and other primates were kept as household pets by affluent families. Their presence in Roman villas and estates was as much about status as it was about amusement.
The Romans frequently depicted monkeys in art, sometimes as entertainers or mischievous creatures, reflecting both their appeal and unpredictability. Some were trained to perform tricks, while others simply served as exotic curiosities, reinforcing their owners’ wealth and worldliness. In certain cases, pet monkeys were treated with remarkable care—some were even buried in cemeteries alongside humans, a practice observed in Berenice, Egypt. This suggests that at least some Roman pet owners formed genuine emotional bonds with their primate companions. However, keeping monkeys as pets was not without challenges. Their intelligence and social nature required constant interaction, making them difficult to manage in captivity. Despite this, their popularity endured, illustrating humanity’s long-standing fascination with exotic animals.
Birds—From Talking Parrots to Messenger Pigeons
Birds were among the most fascinating companions in ancient societies, prized not only for their beauty but also for their intelligence and utility. In ancient Egypt, hieroglyphic records dating back over 4,000 years suggest that birds were commonly kept as companions. Parrots, doves, and other exotic species were housed in elaborate cages, adorned with gold and precious stones, signifying their status as luxury companions. The Romans took bird-keeping to another level, with wealthy households maintaining aviaries filled with nightingales, magpies, and starlings—birds celebrated for their remarkable ability to mimic human speech. Some parrots were so valued that they were worth their weight in silver.
Beyond companionship, birds played a vital role in communication. Messenger pigeons, trained for long-distance travel, were an essential part of military and governmental networks in antiquity. Their ability to navigate vast distances made them indispensable for delivering critical messages, particularly in times of war. The trade of exotic birds was also widespread, with merchants transporting parrots and other species from Africa and India to the Mediterranean. Whether as symbols of status, sources of entertainment, or tools of communication, birds occupied a unique and cherished place in many ancient civilizations.
Ferrets and Weasels—Used for Hunting and Pest Control
Ferrets and weasels may not be the first animals that come to mind when thinking of ancient pets, but their role in human societies was both practical and meaningful. These small, agile hunters were prized for their exceptional ability to control pest populations, particularly in ancient Greece and Rome. Unlike dogs and cats, which were typically kept for companionship, ferrets and weasels had a more utilitarian purpose—hunting rodents and rabbits that threatened food supplies.
In ancient Greece, weasels were repeatedly mentioned in literature, sometimes admired for their cunning nature. Aesop’s fables, which date back to the 6th century BCE, repeatedly depicted weasels as clever and resourceful creatures. Meanwhile, the Romans took their use of ferrets to another level. Historians such as Pliny the Elder and Strabo documented the Romans employing ferrets to combat rabbit infestations, particularly in the Balearic Islands, where rabbits had become a serious problem. Their slender bodies and sharp hunting instincts made them perfect for flushing out prey from burrows.
The legacy of these animals as pest controllers persisted well beyond antiquity. Even in medieval Europe, ferrets were used for rabbit hunting, a practice that continues in some regions today. While they were not traditional pets in the way dogs or cats were, ferrets and weasels played a significant role in maintaining food security in early civilizations, highlighting the varied ways humans have partnered with animals throughout history.
