'Ptolemy's zoo' : exotic animals in third-century BC Egypt / by Maja Miziur-Moździoch.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Miziur-Moździoch, Maja, author.

Series:

Studia Hellenistica ; 64.

Studia Hellenistica ; 64

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Ptolemy II Philadelphus, King of Egypt.

Ptolemy.

Menageries--Egypt--Alexandria.

Menageries.

Exotic animals--Collection and preservation--History.

Exotic animals.

Zoos--Egypt--History.

Zoos.

Zoo animals--Egypt--History.

Zoo animals.

Alexandria (Egypt)--History--Sources.

Alexandria (Egypt).

Physical Description:

269 pages : illustrations, tables, maps ; 24 cm.

Place of Publication:

Leuven : Peeters, 2024.

Summary:

"This book attempts to discover the origins of Ptolemy II Philadelphos' collection of exotic animals. These beasts, which included elephants, antelopes, ostriches, felines, giraffe, rhinoceros and many other exotic creatures, were paraded publicly during the 3rd century BC Alexandrian procession known as the 'pompe'. However, questions remain regarding certain aspects of Philadelphos' animal collection. Why were they brought to Alexandria in the first place? How were they caught and transported? What happened to them after the 'pompe'? A detailed analysis of various sources, including fragments of ancient literature, inscriptions, papyri and works of art is conducted in order to shed light on 'Ptolemy's zoo' with surprising results. Subsequently, the entire venture of obtaining and managing exotic animals in Ptolemaic Alexandria becomes more lucid." -- Provided by publisher

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references.

ISBN:

9042950587

9789042950580

OCLC:

1437818186