Nothing New Under the Sun Exploring the Role of Dogs in Greco-Roman & Indian Society by Debra Ball |
"The dog is part of the glorious creation, made as the guardian of the Aryan
peoples, whether it be in household or farm." So says, Ahura Mazda, principle
God of the ancient Aryan peoples. The Aryans believed that in the beginning the
world was perfect. Evil did not exist and all creation, including the dog, was
good. Then Ahriman introduced evil into the world and the earth, for man and
dog, was changed forever. The homeland of the Aryans was called Airyane
Vaejahi. From this base they traveled to upper India, Russia, Iran, Greece, Italy,
Germany, France, England, and Ireland, taking their dogs with them.1
peoples, whether it be in household or farm." So says, Ahura Mazda, principle
God of the ancient Aryan peoples. The Aryans believed that in the beginning the
world was perfect. Evil did not exist and all creation, including the dog, was
good. Then Ahriman introduced evil into the world and the earth, for man and
dog, was changed forever. The homeland of the Aryans was called Airyane
Vaejahi. From this base they traveled to upper India, Russia, Iran, Greece, Italy,
Germany, France, England, and Ireland, taking their dogs with them.1
The Greeks used the dog, much as their
Aryan ancestors did, as guardians of the
house and field. There are several types of
dogs depicted in Greek art. One type is a
greyhound like dog, whose name may have
come from the corruption of the Arab
word for Greek “grik.” These dogs were
coursing hounds and were hunted in
packs. They traveled from Greece into
Rome and from there were spread
Aryan ancestors did, as guardians of the
house and field. There are several types of
dogs depicted in Greek art. One type is a
greyhound like dog, whose name may have
come from the corruption of the Arab
word for Greek “grik.” These dogs were
coursing hounds and were hunted in
packs. They traveled from Greece into
Rome and from there were spread
Molossian including the Sennenhunde, Appenzeller,
Bermese, and Entlebucher of the Swiss Alps, the
Rottweiler of Germany, and the Great Pyreanees,
named for the mountain range where they are
found.17 Mastiff type dogs which the Romans called
Bermese, and Entlebucher of the Swiss Alps, the
Rottweiler of Germany, and the Great Pyreanees,
named for the mountain range where they are
found.17 Mastiff type dogs which the Romans called
their garments. The Roman Princeps Claudius owned a small white lap dog
and the governor of Malta owned one called Issa of which it was written;
“Issa is more precious than jewels form Indian. Lest the days that she see
light should snatch her from him forever, Publius has had her picture painted.”
(Marcus Martialis)25
Just as dogs flowed westward with the conquests of Alexander the Great, the
Romans took their Mastiffs eastward as the empire expanded, dropping off
dogs from the Asian Steppes to the Himalayan Mountains. These dog
and the governor of Malta owned one called Issa of which it was written;
“Issa is more precious than jewels form Indian. Lest the days that she see
light should snatch her from him forever, Publius has had her picture painted.”
(Marcus Martialis)25
Just as dogs flowed westward with the conquests of Alexander the Great, the
Romans took their Mastiffs eastward as the empire expanded, dropping off
dogs from the Asian Steppes to the Himalayan Mountains. These dog
Dogs are not kept as pets in India, especially within the lower castes. It is
very hard to keep a pet when feeding ones family is a daily priority. From
Greek and Roman society, we have seen that dog ownership was a privilege
of the upper classes; as it was in English society until the rise of the
middleclass, when owning a pet dog became fashionable. Therefore, it was
the Kshatriyas class that primarily kept dogs. Most of these breeds came
into Indian by way of countries such as Turkey, Iran, and Afghanistan. All
of these breeds share a common history. They have the conformation of
sight hounds. Carried into India by the numerous invaders that flowed over
her, these dogs appear to have been descended from the Sloughi,
Greyhound, and Saluki. These dogs undoubtedly followed the mercenaries
who entered India on horseback as early as 500 BC. They came to loot and
plunder, but they left behind their beautiful sight hounds.28 These breeds
are usually called caravan dogs because of having accompanied the invaders
into India.
very hard to keep a pet when feeding ones family is a daily priority. From
Greek and Roman society, we have seen that dog ownership was a privilege
of the upper classes; as it was in English society until the rise of the
middleclass, when owning a pet dog became fashionable. Therefore, it was
the Kshatriyas class that primarily kept dogs. Most of these breeds came
into Indian by way of countries such as Turkey, Iran, and Afghanistan. All
of these breeds share a common history. They have the conformation of
sight hounds. Carried into India by the numerous invaders that flowed over
her, these dogs appear to have been descended from the Sloughi,
Greyhound, and Saluki. These dogs undoubtedly followed the mercenaries
who entered India on horseback as early as 500 BC. They came to loot and
plunder, but they left behind their beautiful sight hounds.28 These breeds
are usually called caravan dogs because of having accompanied the invaders
into India.
One such breed is the Pashmi. Long limbed and light
of weight, this hound is usually a calm breed but can
become aggressive toward strangers. They are found
in the areas of southern Maharashtra and northern
Karnataka and were used as hunting dogs for the
Muslim royals. When the Marathas eventually
of weight, this hound is usually a calm breed but can
become aggressive toward strangers. They are found
in the areas of southern Maharashtra and northern
Karnataka and were used as hunting dogs for the
Muslim royals. When the Marathas eventually
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throughout the known world. It is even thought that Cleopatra presented
Caesar with a dog of this type when she visited Rome.2
Mastiff type dogs are thought to have been introduced into Greece by
Alexander the Great. These dogs were probably
taken from Tibet.3 Marco Polo, during his
eastern travels, spoke of a giant Mastiff found
on the Asian Steppes and around the foot hills
of the Himalayans, where it was used to guard
flocks.4 Another type of hound called the
Ellinikos Ichnilatis was used for hunting in
ancient Greece. This Hellenic dogs, who hunted in packs, were called by a
variety of names.5 Greek authors gave them such names as the dogs of
Sparta (Lakonics), Locricians, Molossians, Epirotics, Macedonians,
Thracians, and Arcadians among others. All of these dogs did “breed”
specific work, whether as a war dog, hunter, shepherd dog, or watchdog.6
Stories of the dog abound in Greek
literature. Homer wrote of Ulysses beloved
dog, Argus, who died from joy after seeing
his Master for the first time in 20
years. Vulcan was said to have forged the
first dog out of bronze and then breathed life
into it. From this specimen sprang the mighty three-headed Cerberus who
guarded the entrance to the underworld. There is, also, the account of the
Actaeon hunter, who chanced upon Diana at her bath, and was turned into a
stag and devoured by his own hounds. We, too, can read the true tale of
Alcibiades, a disciple of Socrates, who was known for his pranks. Once to
the astonishment of the people, He bought a dog, cut off its tail, and paraded
it through the streets of Athens, where dogs were forbidden to appear.7
Small lap dogs came to be a familiar sight in Greece. Aristotle referred to
these tiny white dogs as Canis Melitae. This dog became what is known
today as the Maltese.7 Even poetry was written Canis Melitae.8 In the piece
Cynegetica, Oppian recommended the Laconian for its swiftness. He
disparaged black and white dogs for the chase, preferring instead that the
dogs be of a yellow color.9
The Greeks seemed to have been very concerned with the welfare of their
breeds. Hippocrates was said to have taken great interest in the dog. His
statues often depict him with a dog at his side. 10 Dogs were used to detect
whether an unconscious person was dead or alive. When an individual
collapsed, the dog would wag its tail and bark if the person was merely
unconscious, however if the person was indeed dead, the dog was taught to
stand mute, uttering not a sound.11 The Greeks attributed all the virtues and
weaknesses of man to their dogs. The Greek word cynicism comes from
Kuon (dog) and was used to denote those who scorned conventions.12
Both Greek and Roman illustrations depict the mighty Molossian as a large,
well muscled dog.13 Alexander the Great so admired these Mastiff type
dogs, that he named one of his cities for his favorite dog. He used them to
bait lions and elephants.14 The Romans as well admired this type of dog and
used it for a variety of purposes. They classified dogs according to the type
of work they did, canes villatica (watchdogs), canes pastorals (sheepdogs),
and canes vanatici (hunting dogs).14 Varro in his treatise De Re Rustica
spoke of a Mastiff type dog used for guarding the flock, he wrote that the
dog should wear a nail studded collar (melium) to protect its neck from the
attack of wolves.
Caesar with a dog of this type when she visited Rome.2
Mastiff type dogs are thought to have been introduced into Greece by
Alexander the Great. These dogs were probably
taken from Tibet.3 Marco Polo, during his
eastern travels, spoke of a giant Mastiff found
on the Asian Steppes and around the foot hills
of the Himalayans, where it was used to guard
flocks.4 Another type of hound called the
Ellinikos Ichnilatis was used for hunting in
ancient Greece. This Hellenic dogs, who hunted in packs, were called by a
variety of names.5 Greek authors gave them such names as the dogs of
Sparta (Lakonics), Locricians, Molossians, Epirotics, Macedonians,
Thracians, and Arcadians among others. All of these dogs did “breed”
specific work, whether as a war dog, hunter, shepherd dog, or watchdog.6
Stories of the dog abound in Greek
literature. Homer wrote of Ulysses beloved
dog, Argus, who died from joy after seeing
his Master for the first time in 20
years. Vulcan was said to have forged the
first dog out of bronze and then breathed life
into it. From this specimen sprang the mighty three-headed Cerberus who
guarded the entrance to the underworld. There is, also, the account of the
Actaeon hunter, who chanced upon Diana at her bath, and was turned into a
stag and devoured by his own hounds. We, too, can read the true tale of
Alcibiades, a disciple of Socrates, who was known for his pranks. Once to
the astonishment of the people, He bought a dog, cut off its tail, and paraded
it through the streets of Athens, where dogs were forbidden to appear.7
Small lap dogs came to be a familiar sight in Greece. Aristotle referred to
these tiny white dogs as Canis Melitae. This dog became what is known
today as the Maltese.7 Even poetry was written Canis Melitae.8 In the piece
Cynegetica, Oppian recommended the Laconian for its swiftness. He
disparaged black and white dogs for the chase, preferring instead that the
dogs be of a yellow color.9
The Greeks seemed to have been very concerned with the welfare of their
breeds. Hippocrates was said to have taken great interest in the dog. His
statues often depict him with a dog at his side. 10 Dogs were used to detect
whether an unconscious person was dead or alive. When an individual
collapsed, the dog would wag its tail and bark if the person was merely
unconscious, however if the person was indeed dead, the dog was taught to
stand mute, uttering not a sound.11 The Greeks attributed all the virtues and
weaknesses of man to their dogs. The Greek word cynicism comes from
Kuon (dog) and was used to denote those who scorned conventions.12
Both Greek and Roman illustrations depict the mighty Molossian as a large,
well muscled dog.13 Alexander the Great so admired these Mastiff type
dogs, that he named one of his cities for his favorite dog. He used them to
bait lions and elephants.14 The Romans as well admired this type of dog and
used it for a variety of purposes. They classified dogs according to the type
of work they did, canes villatica (watchdogs), canes pastorals (sheepdogs),
and canes vanatici (hunting dogs).14 Varro in his treatise De Re Rustica
spoke of a Mastiff type dog used for guarding the flock, he wrote that the
dog should wear a nail studded collar (melium) to protect its neck from the
attack of wolves.
One type of dog, which has come down to us, virtually
unchanged, is the Neapolitan Mastiff. These large dogs
with their loose, tough skin were ideal dogs for both
guarding purposes and also as arena dogs. Columelia
wrote that these dogs were ideal for guarding, being
dark in color, they were not easily seen at night and
therefore, could attack with impunity.16 Many varieties
of Mastiff type dogs have developed from the Roman
unchanged, is the Neapolitan Mastiff. These large dogs
with their loose, tough skin were ideal dogs for both
guarding purposes and also as arena dogs. Columelia
wrote that these dogs were ideal for guarding, being
dark in color, they were not easily seen at night and
therefore, could attack with impunity.16 Many varieties
of Mastiff type dogs have developed from the Roman
canis pugnaces were brought from Britian to be used in the arena as well.
These dogs are thought to have come into Britain with Phoenician traders.18
It was the more privileged classes who possessed dogs. Some Romans
placed collars of silver about their dogs necks.19
These dogs are thought to have come into Britain with Phoenician traders.18
It was the more privileged classes who possessed dogs. Some Romans
placed collars of silver about their dogs necks.19
19 They wrote elegies and epitaphs for their
beloved pets. The Princeps Hadrian even had a
sepulcher build to house his deceased canes.20
Phiny wrote that Caesar reprimanded the women
of Rome for neglecting their children in favor of
their lap dogs.21
beloved pets. The Princeps Hadrian even had a
sepulcher build to house his deceased canes.20
Phiny wrote that Caesar reprimanded the women
of Rome for neglecting their children in favor of
their lap dogs.21
The Romans effectively used dogs in combat. Fierce Mastiff type dogs were
equipped with their own battle armor, some sprouting cutting points and
sharp blades along the sides and backs. They followed their masters into
battle, slashing the enemies with their savage teeth. Dogs covered in
protective leather were sent into battle with containers of boiling oil attached
to their backs. The dogs were often starved before being released into battle
to make them more furious. Many Mastiffs were trained to attack the
underbelly of horses and so bring down their riders. The Romans also used
such dogs to dispatch the enemy wounded after a battle. Some dogs were
even used to carry communications. The unfortunate hounds were forced to
swallow secret messages incased in metal tubes. When the animals reached
their destination, they were gutted so that the message might be retrieved.
Recently, skeletons of war dogs have been unearthed, which were buried
standing upright, as if guarding their master’s interests, even in death.22
Dogs were used as sacrificial animals in ancient Rome. During the festival of
Lupercalia, February 15th, two goats and a dog were scarified to the God,
Pan. This festival celebrated the birth of Rome and the bloody knife used to
sacrifice the animals was touched to the forehead of two youths of
outstanding birth. After wiping the blood away with wool dipped in milk, the
sacrificial animals were then skinned. Their hides were fashioned into whips.
The youths, who were naked, ran around the Palatine Hill, whipping all they
saw. This was to ensure the fertility of the land and the people. Women
who were desirous of becoming pregnant made sure they were positioned in
such a way that they might be struck by the bloody whip.23
equipped with their own battle armor, some sprouting cutting points and
sharp blades along the sides and backs. They followed their masters into
battle, slashing the enemies with their savage teeth. Dogs covered in
protective leather were sent into battle with containers of boiling oil attached
to their backs. The dogs were often starved before being released into battle
to make them more furious. Many Mastiffs were trained to attack the
underbelly of horses and so bring down their riders. The Romans also used
such dogs to dispatch the enemy wounded after a battle. Some dogs were
even used to carry communications. The unfortunate hounds were forced to
swallow secret messages incased in metal tubes. When the animals reached
their destination, they were gutted so that the message might be retrieved.
Recently, skeletons of war dogs have been unearthed, which were buried
standing upright, as if guarding their master’s interests, even in death.22
Dogs were used as sacrificial animals in ancient Rome. During the festival of
Lupercalia, February 15th, two goats and a dog were scarified to the God,
Pan. This festival celebrated the birth of Rome and the bloody knife used to
sacrifice the animals was touched to the forehead of two youths of
outstanding birth. After wiping the blood away with wool dipped in milk, the
sacrificial animals were then skinned. Their hides were fashioned into whips.
The youths, who were naked, ran around the Palatine Hill, whipping all they
saw. This was to ensure the fertility of the land and the people. Women
who were desirous of becoming pregnant made sure they were positioned in
such a way that they might be struck by the bloody whip.23
That dogs played a part in the daily life of
ordinary Romans can be seen in the ruins of
Pompey. The bodies of a small child and his
canine companion have been unearthed in that
city’s ruins. Delta wore a silver collar that said
she belonged to Severinus.24 Roman women
carried their tiny companions in the sleeves of
ordinary Romans can be seen in the ruins of
Pompey. The bodies of a small child and his
canine companion have been unearthed in that
city’s ruins. Delta wore a silver collar that said
she belonged to Severinus.24 Roman women
carried their tiny companions in the sleeves of
came full circle, returning
The Tibetan Mastiff is
common ancestor of all
guarding breeds. Isolated
for centuries, the Mastiff
unchanged since the days
The Tibetan Mastiff is
common ancestor of all
guarding breeds. Isolated
for centuries, the Mastiff
unchanged since the days
to their point of origin.
is believed to be the
large herding and
in the mountains of Tibet
has remained basically
when the Aryans moved
is believed to be the
large herding and
in the mountains of Tibet
has remained basically
when the Aryans moved
moved into the steppes of Central Asia. These dogs traveled with the
caravans of Tibetan sheepherders and traders, they were expected to defend
the flocks and possessions of their owners. Others were used as guardian of
the home and temple.26
Buddhist Lamas also bred a variety of dogs as companions and watchdogs.
These included the common ancestors of Pekingese, Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu,
and Japanese Chin. Moving into India proper, we find the predominate dog to
be the Pariah dog. These are medium sized dogs that are found throughout
the temperate regions of the world. They live within the human communities
but are not owned by any individual. It has even been suggested that these
dogs were never domesticated at all, but have always existed in a ownerless
state on the fringes of human society. These
caravans of Tibetan sheepherders and traders, they were expected to defend
the flocks and possessions of their owners. Others were used as guardian of
the home and temple.26
Buddhist Lamas also bred a variety of dogs as companions and watchdogs.
These included the common ancestors of Pekingese, Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu,
and Japanese Chin. Moving into India proper, we find the predominate dog to
be the Pariah dog. These are medium sized dogs that are found throughout
the temperate regions of the world. They live within the human communities
but are not owned by any individual. It has even been suggested that these
dogs were never domesticated at all, but have always existed in a ownerless
state on the fringes of human society. These
dogs are now in danger of extinction as
their gene pools are corrupted by the
introduction of domestic dog DNA and
also because these type of dogs are viewed
as being detrimental to public good.27
their gene pools are corrupted by the
introduction of domestic dog DNA and
also because these type of dogs are viewed
as being detrimental to public good.27
defeated the Muslims, they departed leaving their hounds behind. Local
villagers use them to hunt small game.29
The Rampur is another such hound, found in the North West of India. He
is a dog of substance kept mainly to hunt jackal, but is also used to bring
down wounded game. This breed is described as being bold, impulsive, and
easily given to fighting, but he is also said to be very loyal, a single master
dog. He is built to cover large distances
at great speeds, therefore he is known
as a breed of endurance.His feet are
said to be hare like and therefore well
suited to the hilly and rocky terrain in
which he is used for hunting.30
Still another hound believed to be
descended from these hounds is the
Saluki, is the Mudhol Hound. These hounds come from the northern
districts of Karnataka, of which Mudhol was a feudal state. It is said that
Sri Srimanth Raja Maloji Rao Ghorpade gave a pair of these hounds to King
George the V who dubbed them Mudhol Hounds. One story told about the
Mudhol is that a pair brought down a tiger in defense of their master,
Shahuji Maharaj. The Chandrashiva family was given the duty of
perpetuating the breed and is still doing so today. 31
villagers use them to hunt small game.29
The Rampur is another such hound, found in the North West of India. He
is a dog of substance kept mainly to hunt jackal, but is also used to bring
down wounded game. This breed is described as being bold, impulsive, and
easily given to fighting, but he is also said to be very loyal, a single master
dog. He is built to cover large distances
at great speeds, therefore he is known
as a breed of endurance.His feet are
said to be hare like and therefore well
suited to the hilly and rocky terrain in
which he is used for hunting.30
Still another hound believed to be
descended from these hounds is the
Saluki, is the Mudhol Hound. These hounds come from the northern
districts of Karnataka, of which Mudhol was a feudal state. It is said that
Sri Srimanth Raja Maloji Rao Ghorpade gave a pair of these hounds to King
George the V who dubbed them Mudhol Hounds. One story told about the
Mudhol is that a pair brought down a tiger in defense of their master,
Shahuji Maharaj. The Chandrashiva family was given the duty of
perpetuating the breed and is still doing so today. 31
In conclusion, the wave of Aryan invaders
who swept across Europe into India left a
living legacy, not just in language and culture,
but in the companion animals we cherish today.
When we look at society, we see traces of
ancient Greco-Roman history in all areas of our
lives, especially in our canine companions.
who swept across Europe into India left a
living legacy, not just in language and culture,
but in the companion animals we cherish today.
When we look at society, we see traces of
ancient Greco-Roman history in all areas of our
lives, especially in our canine companions.
We have our dogs of war, our herding, and lap dogs and even our
fighting breeds. If Caesar were resurrected today, would he not be able
to say as he did then, Americans lavish more on their pet dogs than many
of them lavish on their children? And would not Claudius and Aristotle
recognize the Maltese as the tiny breed they loved so many centuries
ago? And what of the coursing hounds of Indian, do we not see these
breeds emerging at dog shows as the new and coming breeds for the
twenty-first century? In short as King Solomon stated, at least as
pertains to canis familiaris, “there is truly nothing new under the sun.”
fighting breeds. If Caesar were resurrected today, would he not be able
to say as he did then, Americans lavish more on their pet dogs than many
of them lavish on their children? And would not Claudius and Aristotle
recognize the Maltese as the tiny breed they loved so many centuries
ago? And what of the coursing hounds of Indian, do we not see these
breeds emerging at dog shows as the new and coming breeds for the
twenty-first century? In short as King Solomon stated, at least as
pertains to canis familiaris, “there is truly nothing new under the sun.”
Bibliography
For a copy of the bibliography, click stars!