pets:
Commonly kept pets in ancient Egypt included:
- bird- Birds such as falcons, ducks, turtle doves, hoopoes
(small, colorful bird), and geese (by nobles) were common pets.
- cat- Perhaps first domesticated by Egyptians, the cat was
valued as a controller of pest and vermin (mouse-catcher). They also had value
as companions to their owners, which were mostly women. Despite their
popularity, there is only evidence of one instance where a pet cat had a name.
Its name was "the Pleasant One".
- dog- The main pet of ancient Egypt, the dog was beloved by all
classes. The dog is thought to be the earliest domesticated animal, and was
used as a hunting partner, an aid to herders and farmers, and as a watchdog.
Unlike any other type of pet, a family dog was almost always named; in fact
many were given human names just as if they were a human family member. They
are the only species to be given that honor in Egypt. The love affair Egypt had
with its dogs is represented in the many coffins found containing the family
pet.
- gazelle- These were domesticated and kept in the home. They
were loved for their gentle nature.
- lion- Archaeologists presume that pet lions had their deadly
claws and fangs removed before being given pet status. They were royal pets,
and regularly roamed palace grounds. The amount of domestication that occurred
is unknown.
- monkey- Green or vervet monkeys and baboons were second only
to dogs in popularity as pets. This popularity is mostly due to their ability
to be trained to dance, sing, or play musical instruments for the entertainment
of their human companions. They were appreciated for their comic appeal, and
were customarily kept collared and leashed. Those who were owned by wealthy
families often wore gold jewelry as fine as that worn by humans .
Animals were also important for
service, hunted game,
religion and food.
Other animals of Egypt are described here.
