Description:
Published:3 Mar 2023 Offers diverse range of topics to build a broad view of the role of birds in Roman life. Begins by examining birds in omens, augury, and auspices, with particular emphasis on the so-called sacred chickens consulted by magistrates and generals before important decisions. Takes an interdisciplinary approach, draws on many evidence streams, includes literary evidence alongside art, material culture, zooarchaeology, and modern ornithological knowledge to reconstruct fully how Romans lived with, thought about, and exploited birds. Uses a blend of evidence to examine birds as divine messengers, heralds, hunted quarry, domestic flocks, companion animals and more. is an important reference for researchers interested in human-animal relations and animals in the ancient world.