The aim of this paper is to investigate the relationship between man and dogs in their dual function as companion and hunting animals and at the same time as status symbols of the elites residing both in “central” urban contexts such as an imperial capital and in “peripheral” areas of the Empire. In particular, the analysis of two different types of documents, namely, respectively, a pagan epigraphic text of the 1st-2nd/3rd century A.D. found in Rome, and a Christian literary testimony of the 5th century A.D., referable to the remote Cappadocia, both however united by the reference to two homonymous female dogs, Helena and Ἑλένη, certainly shows some permanences of the “classical” heritage of paideia, but, on closer inspection, also conceals equally significant and profound religious and cultural transformations.
Da femmina subdola ad animale d’affezione: la “cagna” Elena fra prima età imperiale e Tarda Antichità
Margherita Cassia
2026-01-01
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to investigate the relationship between man and dogs in their dual function as companion and hunting animals and at the same time as status symbols of the elites residing both in “central” urban contexts such as an imperial capital and in “peripheral” areas of the Empire. In particular, the analysis of two different types of documents, namely, respectively, a pagan epigraphic text of the 1st-2nd/3rd century A.D. found in Rome, and a Christian literary testimony of the 5th century A.D., referable to the remote Cappadocia, both however united by the reference to two homonymous female dogs, Helena and Ἑλένη, certainly shows some permanences of the “classical” heritage of paideia, but, on closer inspection, also conceals equally significant and profound religious and cultural transformations.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
