Cats in Ancient Civilizations: How They Were Revered in Ancient Greek Civilizations

Cats are one of the most popular and beloved pets in the world today. But did you know that cats have a long and fascinating history with humans? Cats have been domesticated for thousands of years and have played an important role in various ancient civilizations, such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, China, and India. In this article, we will focus on how cats were revered in ancient Greek civilizations and what roles they played in their culture, religion, and art.

The Origin of Domestic Cats

According to recent genetic studies, the closest relative of the modern-day domestic cat is the Near Eastern wildcat, which was bred by Mesopotamian farmers around 12,000 BCE to control pests such as mice and rats. [^1^][1] Cats were also domesticated independently in other regions, such as China and India, where they were valued for their hunting skills and companionship. [^2^][2]

Cats were introduced to ancient Greece by traders and travelers from other lands, such as Egypt and Persia. The earliest evidence of cats in Greece dates back to the 5th century BCE, when a cat skeleton was found in a grave on the island of Aegina. [^3^][3] Cats soon became popular pets among the Greeks, especially among women and children. They were also kept by farmers and sailors for pest control and good luck.

The Symbolism of Cats in Ancient Greek Mythology

Cats in ancient Greek mythology were associated with the goddess Artemis, who was syncretized with the Egyptian cat goddess Bastet. Artemis was the goddess of hunting, wild animals, childbirth, and virginity. She was often depicted with a bow and arrow and accompanied by a pack of hounds or other animals. Cats were seen as her sacred animals and symbols of her independence, agility, and fertility.

Cats were also linked to the 'dark side' of Greek mythology because of a story involving Zeus, his mother Alcmene, and her maid Galinthias. According to the myth, Zeus impregnated Alcmene while disguised as her husband Amphitryon. Hera, Zeus' jealous wife, tried to prevent Alcmene from giving birth to Hercules by sending two witches to delay her labor. Galinthias, who was helping Alcmene, tricked the witches by announcing that Alcmene had already delivered her son. The witches fled in confusion and Alcmene gave birth to Hercules. Hera was furious and turned Galinthias into a cat as punishment. She also sent a giant snake to kill Hercules in his cradle, but the baby hero strangled it with his bare hands.

The Hybrid Feline Creatures in Ancient Greek Mythology

Apart from cats, there were also hybrid feline creatures in ancient Greek mythology that were offspring of the monstrous Echidna and Typhon. These creatures included:

The Chimera: A fire-breathing beast with the head of a lion, the body of a goat, and the tail of a serpent. It was slain by the hero Bellerophon with the help of Pegasus, the winged horse.
The Sphinx: A creature with the head of a woman, the body of a lion, the wings of an eagle, and sometimes a serpent's tail. It guarded the entrance to the city of Thebes and asked a riddle to anyone who wanted to pass. If they answered correctly, they could enter; if not, they were devoured. The riddle was: "What walks on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon, and three legs in the evening?" The answer was: "A human being." Oedipus solved the riddle and made the Sphinx kill itself.
The Nemean Lion: A huge lion with impenetrable fur that terrorized the region of Nemea. It was one of the twelve labors of Hercules to kill it. He managed to strangle it with his bare hands after failing to wound it with his weapons. He then skinned it with its own claws and wore its pelt as a cloak.

The Role of Cats in Ancient Greek Culture and Art

Cats in ancient Greek culture and art were mostly depicted as pets, companions, or symbols of femininity and domesticity. They were often shown in scenes of everyday life, such as women spinning, weaving, or playing with children. They were also featured in comedy plays, such as those by Aristophanes, who used cats for comic effect and coined the phrase "The cat did it" to assign blame.

Cats were also admired for their beauty, grace, and intelligence. They were sometimes compared to famous women, such as Helen of Troy or Cleopatra. They were also used as metaphors for cunning, stealth, or curiosity. For example, the poet Sappho wrote: "The moon has set / And the Pleiades; / It is midnight, / The time is going by, / And I sleep alone. / (A cat scratching at my door.)

Cats were also represented in various forms of art, such as sculptures, mosaics, paintings, and pottery. Some examples of cat art from ancient Greece are:

A marble statue of a girl holding a cat from the 4th century BCE, now in the British Museum.
A Roman mosaic of a cat killing a partridge from the House of the Faun in Pompeii, dating from the 1st century CE.
A terracotta figurine of a woman with a cat on her shoulder from the 3rd century BCE, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
A red-figure vase painting of a woman playing with a cat from the 5th century BCE, now in the Louvre Museum.

The Attitude of Ancient Greeks Towards Cats

The attitude of ancient Greeks towards cats was generally positive and respectful. They did not worship cats like the Egyptians did, but they did not mistreat them either. They considered cats as useful and friendly animals that deserved care and protection. They also believed that cats had a special connection to the divine and could bring good fortune or ward off evil.

However, there were also some negative aspects of the ancient Greek attitude towards cats. Some people feared cats because of their association with witchcraft and the underworld. They believed that cats could transform into other creatures or communicate with the dead. They also thought that cats could steal a person's soul by licking their lips or breathing on them. Some people also disliked cats because of their independent and unpredictable nature. They preferred dogs as loyal and obedient pets.

The Legacy of Cats in Ancient Greek Civilizations

Cats in ancient Greek civilizations left a lasting legacy in the history and culture of the world. They influenced the development of art, literature, philosophy, and science. They also inspired many legends, myths, and stories that are still told today. Cats have continued to fascinate and charm people throughout the ages with their mysterious and captivating personalities.

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References:

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Sweeny Jane. Is there a cat in Greek mythology?" Pets and Animals Guide. 18 October 2021.
Atsma, Aaron J. "Galinthias." Theoi Project: Greek Mythology.
Aristophanes. The Wasps.
Sappho. Fragment 168B.