Dog In Ancient Greek Art Essay

Dogs are represented in both two and three dimension in ancient Greek art, and such art acts as further evidence as to the roles of dogs. In terms of dogs existing as pets in ancient Greece, there is a great example of the melitaean dog in the role of pet. The oldest representation of a melitaean dog is found on an amphora from around 500 B.P. The amphora is decorated with the image of a young man walking with a small dog walking just ahead of him. It is clear that the man is not engaged in hunting. Instead, he looks well dressed and the scene has the feel of a leisurely stroll. The dog itself is clearly outlined and is more stylistic than detailed. Its posture is relaxed and it seems in good condition, which is in keeping with the idea that it is a pet.1

Dogs are also represented in hunting scenes on vases. For example, a 5th century vase depicts a hare hunt in which two dogs accompany two humans in pursuit of a hare. Once again, the dogs are represented in a stylistic manner, although the dogs are clearly represented wearing collars to which their handlers have attached leads. The dogs appear to be a type of hound which is often associated with hunting, and one of the dogs is represented in a way that conveys that it is smelling,

This is so because of general disposition of dogs which sees them acting as guardians against harm to their owners. Specifically, dogs drive away people and animals that are thought to pose a threat, hence their use by herders and as guard dogs. Thus, people tended to carry this thinking over to the realm of evil and spirits.8 This thinking could be supported by bearing in mind the site at Kavousi where multiple dogs were buried under a humans tomb. Perhaps by burying the dogs directly beneath the tomb it was thought that the dogs would offer protection against evil spirits and provide companionship and safety on the journey to the