Animals for Show and Pleasure in Ancient Rome

Animals for Show and Pleasure in Ancient Rome is a complete and comprehensive investigation of the rise, function, and pageantry of wild and domesticated animals as household pets and as fodder for entertainment in the Roman world.

Based entirely on primary source material and infused with the author's direct experience with many of the animals discussed, Animals for Show and Pleasure in Ancient Rome is a comprehensive investigation of the rise, function, and pageantry of wild and domesticated animals as household pets and as fodder for entertainment in the Roman world. Extending from Egypt through the Greek city-states to the magnificent coliseums of the golden age of Roman civilization, Jennison provides an absorbing, evocative, and in-depth history that includes information about what animals were known to the Romans, which creatures they liked best, which animals were used as pets, from what places they obtained animals and how much they cost, how they were trapped, and the architectural development and dispersion of arenas throughout the Roman world. Originally published in 1937, Animals for Show and Pleasure in Ancient Rome remains the authoritative work on the subject.

Introduction 1. Tamed Animals of the City-States of Greece 2. Zoological Magnificence in Egypt under the Ptolemies 3. The Animals of the Roman Games (to 30 BC) 4. Shows Under the Early Empire (29 BC to AD 117) 5. Shows from Hadrian to Honorius (AD 117 to 410) 6. The Amateur's Menagerie: Birds 7. The Amateur's Menagerie: Fishponds 8. The Amateur's Menagerie: Quadrupeds and Reptiles 9. Capture and Transport 10. Development of the Arena 11. Provincial Amphitheaters 12. Stockyards for the Beasts 13. The Shows in the Arena Appendices: A. Leopard B. The Date of Calpurnius C. The Gold-Finding Ants D. Training Man-Eaters E. African and Indian Elephants Index