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

Cats are one of the most popular and beloved pets in the world today, but they have not always enjoyed such a high status. In fact, cats have had a long and complex history with humans, ranging from being worshipped as gods to being persecuted as devils. In this article, we will explore how cats were revered in one of the most influential ancient civilizations: Rome.

Cats in Ancient Rome: Exotic Pets and Sacred Animals

Cats were first domesticated in Ancient Egypt and then brought to Ancient Rome by traders and travelers. The Ancient Romans respected the vermin-catching abilities of the domestic cat, but also saw them as exotic pets and sacred animals. They associated the cat with liberty and divinity, so the cat was the only animal allowed to walk freely around their temples. Libertas (the goddess of liberty) was often depicted with a cat at her feet. Romans also associated cats with the Goddess Diana, the Queen of the Hunt.¹

Cats were also valued for their companionship and affection, as shown by many frescoes and mosaics from wealthy Roman houses that depict cats as part of the family. Some famous Romans who owned cats include Julius Caesar, Cicero, and Augustus.²

Cats in Ancient Rome: Symbols of Culture and Art

Cats were not only pets and sacred animals in Ancient Rome, but also symbols of culture and art. Cats were featured in many literary works, such as poems by Ovid, Martial, and Catullus (whose name means "little cat"). Cats were also used as metaphors for cunning, elegance, and independence.²

Cats were also represented in many artistic forms, such as sculptures, coins, jewelry, and lamps. Some of the most famous examples of cat art in Ancient Rome are the bronze cat statues from the Villa of Livia (the wife of Augustus), the silver cat figurines from Pompeii, and the gold cat earrings from the British Museum.²

Cats in Ancient Rome: Victims of Persecution and Cruelty

Unfortunately, cats were not always treated well by the ancient Romans. Cats were sometimes killed or sacrificed for various reasons, such as religious rituals, superstitions, or entertainment. For example, cats were thrown into arenas to be devoured by lions or other wild animals, or burned alive as part of the celebration of Saturnalia (a festival dedicated to the god Saturn).²

Cats were also associated with witchcraft and evil by some Romans, especially after the rise of Christianity. Cats were believed to be familiars or servants of witches or demons, and were often tortured or executed along with their owners. Some Christians also saw cats as symbols of paganism and idolatry, and tried to eradicate them from their lands.³

Cats in Ancient Rome: Survivors and Legacies

Despite the hardships and dangers that cats faced in Ancient Rome, they managed to survive and thrive in many ways. Cats adapted to their environment and became skilled hunters and scavengers. Cats also found refuge and protection in some places, such as temples, monasteries, or farms.³

Cats also left a lasting legacy in Rome and beyond. Cats influenced the language, law, medicine, and religion of Rome and its successors. For example, the Latin word for cat (felis) gave rise to many modern words related to cats or felines (such as feline, felicity, felicitous). The Roman law that granted cats legal rights (such as inheritance) was later adopted by other European countries.^{4 The Roman belief that cats could cure diseases or ward off evil spirits was also shared by many cultures around the world.⁵}

Cats in Ancient Rome: Where to See Them Today

If you want to see some of the descendants of the ancient Roman cats, you can visit some of the historical sites where they still live and roam freely. One of the most famous places is the Colosseum, where hundreds of cats have made their home among the ruins of the ancient amphitheater. The cats are cared for by volunteers and have become a tourist attraction in their own right.⁶

Another place where you can see the street cats of Rome is the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary, located in the archaeological area of Largo di Torre Argentina. This is where Julius Caesar was assassinated, and where four ancient temples stand. The cats have taken over the site and are fed and sheltered by a non-profit organization. You can also adopt a cat or make a donation to support their cause.⁴

Cats in Ancient Rome: How They Were Different from Cats in Ancient Egypt

While cats were revered in both Ancient Rome and Ancient Egypt, there were some differences in how they were treated and perceived by these two civilizations. Here are some of the main contrasts between the Roman and Egyptian views of cats:

Cats in Ancient Egypt were considered divine and sacred, while cats in Ancient Rome were seen as noble and free. Cats in Egypt were worshipped as manifestations of the goddess Bastet, who was associated with fertility, protection, and joy. Cats in Rome were linked to the goddesses Libertas and Diana, who represented liberty, hunting, and nature.¹
Cats in Ancient Egypt were strictly protected by law and culture, while cats in Ancient Rome were subject to abuse and cruelty. Cats in Egypt were so highly valued that killing a cat was punishable by death, and smuggling a cat out of the country was forbidden. Cats in Rome were often killed or sacrificed for various purposes, such as entertainment, superstition, or religion.²
Cats in Ancient Egypt were mummified and buried with honors, while cats in Ancient Rome were discarded or cremated. Cats in Egypt were treated as members of the family and given elaborate funerary rites when they died. They were often buried with their owners or in special cat cemeteries. Cats in Rome were usually thrown away or burned as waste when they died.²

Conclusion

Cats have had a long and fascinating history with humans, and especially with the ancient Romans. They were revered as exotic pets and sacred animals, but also persecuted as pests and evil creatures. They were symbols of culture and art, but also victims of cruelty and violence. They survived and left a legacy that can still be seen and appreciated today. Cats in ancient civilizations were more than just animals, they were part of the human story.

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