Przyjaciel, towarzysz i sługa Różne wzorce relacji człowiek — zwierzę w świecie starożytnym
A Friend, a Companion and a Servant. Various Types of Human-Animal Relation in the Ancient World

Author(s): Ilona Szewczyk
Subject(s): Language and Literature Studies
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Śląskiego
Keywords: human-animal relation; Graeco-Roman literature; Graeco-Roman art
Summary/Abstract: The aim of this paper is to provide a brief overview of various models of relationships and connections between human beings and animals in the Graeco-Roman world. The author attempts to examine the human-animal nexus in relation to the environments of everyday life, with particular reference to work, religion, entertainment and leisure. This paper charts these four themes and briefly sketches examples depicting bonds between people and animals in Graeco-Roman literature and works of art. From making friends with dogs and horses to using animals as ritual offerings, the history of the Greek and Roman people has never existed without references to animals: wild species kept in menageries, or hunted for their meat and pelts, domesticated ones that provided milk, eggs and companionship, and carefully selected immaculate individual animals, which were sacrificial gifts for the gods.

• Details
• Contents