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Dogs existed in Greek mythology. In one story, a three-headed dog named Cerberus, guarded Hades. It was around this time, at the end of the Greek, and the beginning of the Roman Empire, that the status of the dog began to change. Not only was the dog kept as a hunter, herder, and guardian for important figures, but it began to be recognized for its sensitive side, as a loving pet. This was when the dog first earned the title, Companion To Man. Having reached such status, the dog began to appear in sculpture and solo portraits. These were hung on the walls of their owner's home, representing the dog's tie with the family or household. Some of the world's finest canine art dates to this period. Perhaps dogs across the world owe it all to one of their ancestors named Delta. Delta wore a silver collar, which was evidence that he belonged to Severinus, who he saved from a wolf. Later, Delta also saved the life of Severinus' son. It was this dog's devotion, loyalty, and love for not only his owner, but for all humans, that opened the eyes of the people in society. This heroic dog was found far beneath the earth, under the soil of generations, lying next to the child he had saved, but who later died from the wounds. In Roman society, dogs were collected as animals to "perform" at sporting events at the famed Coliseum. Dogs were imported from various parts of the world for such events. The Roman leaders were especially impressed with the competitiveness of the British Hounds and Mastiffs because they fought against other seemingly more dominant animals like lions, leopards, elephants, and human gladiators. Next Month: Biblical times and the dog |   .. |
www.Dishmag.com / Issue 4 - January 2009
