Classical Egypt, once a thriving civilization, came under the control of the Roman Empire for a span of 600 years. During this extensive period, the region became a significant part of the Roman realm, influencing and being influenced by the Roman way of life.
One of the fascinating insights into the daily lives and operations of Roman legionaries in Egypt has been uncovered by Polish archaeologists through the excavation of an ancient pet cemetery. This discovery not only highlights the Roman’s affinity for animals but also sheds light on their trade and military practices in the province.
In these excavations, the remains of over 200 animals, including cats, dogs, calves, and monkeys, have been found. These animals were not just discarded but were buried in specially-made graves, indicating the care and effort put into preserving their remains.
Such practices provide a glimpse into the emotional connections Romans had with their pets and the importance of these animals in their lives.
“Berenike, located on the Red Sea in Egypt, was an ancient port in decline after its initial success in importing elephants from the south,” a statement on the excavations from the University of Wrocław reads.
This site, once a bustling emporium, became a viral intercontinental hub for the Roman Empire. Professor Marta Osypińska, a researcher involved in the project, elaborates: “The emporium became an intercontinental hub for the empire, through which exclusive goods from India, Asia, Arabia, and East Africa flowed.”
This statement underscores Berenike’s strategic importance and its role in the extensive trade networks of the Roman Empire.
Evidence of this thriving trade is also found in letters written by Roman centurions stationed in the province. These letters, penned on papyrus, provide detailed accounts of trade and military organization.
One such letter from Petronius to Lucinius, a centurion stationed in Berenike, inquiries about the prices of exotic luxury goods available there. Petronius mentions sending money via “dromedarius,” a unit of Roman soldiers who traveled on camels. He requests veal and tent poles for his men upon their arrival. This correspondence, reported by Smithsonian, highlights the logistical aspects of maintaining Roman military and trade operations in distant provinces.
The Romans in Berenike also had a particular fondness for exotic pets, especially macaques from India. The presence of these monkeys, rare in other Roman provinces, suggests their significant status among the inhabitants of Berenike. These animals, which would have been expensive imports, not only offered companionship but also conveyed a sense of status. The treatment of these monkeys further underscores their special status.
The treatment of these monkeys further underscores their special status. Unlike dogs and cats, monkeys were often buried with furnishings, such as iridescent shells, knobbly objects, cow tails, collars, and harnesses. Researchers believe that these items, mostly objects for play, indicate the high regard in which these animals were held.
“Among the standout graves was one in which a female macaque had been buried with a beautiful, large haliotis shell from the Indian Ocean next to her head. The entire burial was covered with a reed mat, backfilled with dune sand, and a tombstone of large amphora fragments was laid on the surface.”
“The almost humane treatment of the monkeys is also evidenced by traces of [what] can be seen as medical treatment. One of the macaques had its feet covered in balsam resin. In antiquity, it was regarded as a healing and painkilling agent. It was also used in embalming and anointing the bodies of the dead.”
The image that emerges from these findings is captivating: Roman centurions, clad in their distinctive red, gold, and purple armor, commanding respect and authority, yet accompanied by monkeys, treated almost as equals. This blend of military prowess and compassionate animal care paints a vivid picture of life in Roman Egypt. Such discoveries, while extraordinary for other civilizations, are somewhat typical for Rome due to its vast size and exceptional organization.
The excavation of the pet cemetery in Berenike provides a unique and intimate look into the lives of Roman legionaries stationed in Egypt. Through the remains of their beloved pets and the letters detailing their daily operations, we gain valuable insights into the intricate web of trade, military organization, and personal relationships that defined this remote outpost of the Roman Empire.
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