Pets in Ancient Rome’s Upper Classes: Symbolism and Pet Care

The Role of Pets in Ancient Roman Society

The ancient Romans were known for their practical and materialistic approach to life. Their attention to detail in architecture, politics, and daily life extended to their relationships with animals as well. The upper classes, or the patricians, were the main group that kept pets. These animals were not only for companionship but were also used for status display, hunting, and even for religious purposes.

The Symbolism of Pets

In Ancient Rome, pets were more than just animals—they were symbols of wealth, status, and Roman virtues. Pet ownership, particularly in the elite classes, indicated a person's wealth, refinement, and cultural sophistication. The types of animals one owned were often seen as reflections of their taste and lifestyle.

Dogs: Dogs were perhaps the most common pets, especially favored by Roman aristocrats. These animals were seen as symbols of loyalty and fidelity, virtues that were highly prized in Roman society. Large, powerful breeds, like mastiffs and hunting dogs, were kept for their roles in hunting and guarding, while smaller breeds were kept for companionship. These smaller dogs, particularly the Canis Melitaeus (a type of Maltese), were loved for their beauty and grace.

Birds: Birds, especially exotic species, were kept by the Roman elite as symbols of sophistication and luxury. Parrots, peacocks, and falcons were common pets in the upper echelons of Roman society. The peacock, in particular, was a symbol of opulence and beauty, and it was also associated with the goddess Juno, adding a religious dimension to its symbolism.

Monkeys: Some wealthy Romans kept monkeys, which were considered exotic and amusing creatures. Monkeys were sometimes associated with luxury and the enjoyment of life’s pleasures. They also symbolized the fascination the Romans had with foreign lands and cultures.

Cats: Cats were not as universally revered as dogs in Ancient Rome but were still kept as pets, particularly in households where there was a need for pest control. They were often kept as a more practical companion than a symbolic one. Cats, however, also carried symbolic weight as protectors and were associated with the goddess Diana, a figure of nature and fertility.

Horses: Although more often used for practical purposes like transportation, horses were also kept as pets by the upper classes. Wealthy Romans often treated their horses with the utmost care, providing them with ornate stables and high-quality feed.

Pet Care in Ancient Rome

The care of pets in Ancient Rome was sophisticated and reflected the importance of animals in the lives of the upper classes. The Romans were known for their advancements in many areas of life, and this included the treatment of animals.

Feeding: Pets were fed a variety of foods, and their diet was often catered to their specific needs. Dogs, for example, were typically fed a mixture of meat, bread, and sometimes vegetables. Special attention was paid to the nutritional needs of hunting dogs, who were often fed meat to keep them strong and healthy.

Healthcare: The Romans understood the importance of veterinary care for their pets. There were specialized professionals, known as medici veterinarii, who provided care for animals. Roman writers, such as Pliny the Elder, recorded numerous remedies and treatments for pets, especially for dogs. Some wealthy families even had their own private veterinarians.

Housing: The housing of pets was also an important aspect of Roman pet care. Dogs were kept in comfortable kennels, and some households had entire rooms dedicated to their pets. The upper classes often ensured their pets had access to luxurious spaces that reflected their high status.

Grooming: Just as with the care of pets’ health, grooming was an essential part of pet ownership in Ancient Rome. Many dogs, especially the smaller breeds, were regularly groomed. Pet owners would use combs and brushes to keep their animals clean and well-kept.

Entertainment and Socializing: Roman pets were often socialized with people and other animals. Dogs were frequently included in banquets, where they would be treated with special attention. The wealthy classes also held dog and bird shows, which were popular entertainment.

Burial Practices: Roman aristocrats were known to provide elaborate burials for their pets, sometimes with tombstones that recorded the pet's name and the date of death. This practice highlights the emotional attachment Romans had to their pets and the importance they placed on proper care and respect for these animals.

The Influence of Roman Culture on Pet Ownership

Roman culture and values significantly influenced the treatment of animals. The Romans were deeply religious, and many of their pets were linked to deities and mythologies. For example, the dog was associated with loyalty and was connected to the god of the underworld, Pluto. Similarly, the cat was linked to Diana, the goddess of fertility and nature, reinforcing its status as a protector of the home.

The concept of pets also aligned with Roman social structures. The wealthy, privileged classes were the primary owners of pets, and this was often a way to display their wealth and refinement. The practice of owning pets became a symbol of Roman civilization and cultural advancement, and these practices were later adopted by other cultures in the Mediterranean and beyond.

The Decline of Pet Ownership in the Later Roman Empire

As the Roman Empire declined, the practice of pet ownership among the upper classes began to change. With the rise of Christianity and the fall of traditional Roman values, attitudes toward pets began to shift. The early Christian Church did not place much emphasis on the care of animals, and pet ownership began to decline as a social practice.

Additionally, the invasions and instability of the later Empire made it harder for the upper classes to maintain their lavish lifestyles, including the care and keeping of exotic animals. Pet care, once a mark of wealth and status, became less of a priority as the Empire faced economic challenges.

Summary

In Ancient Rome, pets were much more than mere companions—they were symbols of wealth, social status, and cultural sophistication. The upper classes kept a variety of animals, such as dogs, birds, monkeys, and horses, and treated them with great care. Pet ownership reflected Roman values such as loyalty, beauty, and opulence, and these animals were often integrated into the daily life of the aristocracy. Despite the eventual decline of pet ownership with the fall of the Roman Empire, the legacy of Roman pet culture can still be seen in the modern world.

Conclusion

Pets played a significant role in Ancient Roman society, especially among the upper classes. They were not merely companions but symbols of wealth, status, and Roman virtues like loyalty and beauty. The care and treatment of pets in Ancient Rome were sophisticated, reflecting the cultural advancements of the time. Despite the eventual decline of pet ownership with the fall of the Roman Empire, the practices and symbolism associated with Roman pets have influenced the way animals are treated in modern society. The relationship between the Romans and their pets offers valuable insight into the values, lifestyle, and culture of one of history's most powerful civilizations.

20 Questions and Answers

Q1: What types of pets were commonly kept by the upper classes in Ancient Rome?

Ans: Dogs, birds (such as parrots and peacocks), monkeys, cats, and horses were commonly kept as pets by the upper classes in Ancient Rome.

Q2: Why were pets considered symbols of status in Ancient Rome?

Ans: Pets were seen as symbols of status because they reflected the wealth and sophistication of the owner. Exotic pets, in particular, were markers of luxury.

Q3: What role did dogs play in Roman society?

Ans: Dogs played various roles, including companionship, guarding, and hunting. They were symbols of loyalty and fidelity.

Q4: How were pets cared for in Ancient Rome?

Ans: Pets were fed specially prepared diets, received veterinary care, were housed in comfortable kennels, and were regularly groomed.

Q5: What types of dogs were popular in Ancient Rome?

Ans: Large hunting dogs like mastiffs were popular, as well as smaller companion breeds like the Maltese.

Q6: What was the role of the veterinarian in Ancient Rome?

Ans: Veterinarians in Ancient Rome, known as medici veterinarii, provided healthcare for pets, including treatments for illnesses and injuries.

Q7: Why were birds considered special pets in Roman society?

Ans: Birds like peacocks and parrots were considered exotic and were associated with luxury, opulence, and even religious symbolism.

Q8: What did Roman aristocrats do with their pets at social events?

Ans: Pets, especially dogs, were included in banquets and social gatherings. They were often treated with special attention.

Q9: How were pets buried in Ancient Rome?

Ans: Pets were sometimes given elaborate burials with tombstones marking their names and dates of death.

Q10: How did the Romans view the symbolism of the dog?

Ans: The dog symbolized loyalty, fidelity, and protection, virtues that were highly valued in Roman culture.

Q11: Which goddess was associated with cats in Roman culture?

Ans: Cats were associated with Diana, the goddess of nature and fertility.

Q12: Did the Romans have a special interest in exotic animals?

Ans: Yes, the Romans were fascinated with exotic animals and often kept them as pets to display wealth and cultural sophistication.

Q13: What was the role of horses in Roman society?

Ans: Horses were primarily used for transportation and military purposes, but the wealthy also kept them as pets.

Q14: How were Roman pets different from those of the lower classes?

Ans: Pets in the upper classes were often exotic, symbolic, and treated with luxury, while lower classes typically kept animals for practical purposes, such as hunting or guarding.

Q15: What were some common pet diseases treated by Roman veterinarians?

Ans: Roman veterinarians treated various illnesses in pets, including wounds, infections, and digestive issues in dogs and horses.

Q16: What was the significance of the peacock as a pet?

Ans: The peacock was a symbol of beauty, luxury, and was also associated with the goddess Juno.

Q17: How did Roman pet care practices influence future civilizations?

Ans: Roman pet care practices, including grooming, feeding, and medical care, set a precedent for future civilizations in terms of animal husbandry and pet care.

Q18: Why did pet ownership decline after the fall of the Roman Empire?

Ans: The decline of pet ownership was due to economic hardship, social changes, and the rise of Christianity, which placed less emphasis on animals.

Q19: How were pets integrated into Roman religious practices?

Ans: Pets like dogs and birds were linked to religious symbols and deities, representing values such as loyalty, protection, and beauty.

Q20: Were pets in Ancient Rome considered family members?

Ans: Yes, pets were considered important members of Roman households, and their care reflected their owners’ values and status.