For millennia, dogs have been faithful companions of man. Their role was not limited to hunting or guarding herds. But what about their involvement in the armed conflicts of Antiquity and the Middle Ages? This is what we will discover in this article. We tell you everything.
Dogs have always been allies of humanity, finding their place in homes, fields and even on the battlefield. In Antiquity and the Middle Ages, armies did not only rely on the bravery of men but also on the loyalty and ferocity of these animals. And especially dogs. But, it is possible that they were not the only domestic animals who intervened in conflicts. Here’s everything you need to know!
What was the role of dogs in Antiquity and the Middle Ages?
Dogs have been used by ancient and medieval civilizations in various roles, ranging from from hunting to guarding, to protecting camps and properties. In ancient Egypt, dogs were revered, depicted in frescoes, and often buried with honors. The Greeks and Romans mainly used them for hunting and guarding. Historical sources, such as the writings of Xenophon and Roman military accounts, describe dogs accompanying soldiers to protect camps and help pursue enemies. During the Middle Ages, dogs continued to play similar roles, particularly in castles and farms where they were essential for security and livestock management.
Were dogs used in war during Antiquity and the Middle Ages?
Yes, dogs were indeed used in armed conflicts. The Assyriansfor example, used great fighting dogs, probably mastiffs, to intimidate and attack enemies. Historical writings, such as those of Arrian in “Cynegeticus“, describe the use of war dogs by the Romans. Dogs were used to break enemy lines and disrupt formations. In the Middle Ages, dogs were used to reconnaissance missions, messaging and sometimes direct combat. Medieval chronicles mention dogs accompanying knights, protecting camps and even participating in sieges. Medieval war dogs often wore specially designed armor to protect them.
Which dog breeds were most used in conflicts?
Among the dog breeds used in conflicts, some stand out for their strength, size and temperament. The Houndsancestors of mastiffs modern, were highly prized for their robustness. The Celts used war dogs, often Irish Wolfhounds, known for their size and power. The Romans also favored the Pugnacious Canes, sturdy dogs bred specifically for fighting. In the Middle Ages, the Alans, ancestors of the Mastiffs, were used in Spain and France for war. Archaeological sources and historical texts, such as those of Pliny the Elder and Vegetius, confirm the use of these breeds in military conflicts.
Other domestic animals used in ancient and medieval warfare
Besides dogs, other domestic animals played key roles in the wars of antiquity and the Middle Ages. Horsesof course, were essential, used by horsemen and to pull war chariots. The elephants warheads were famous in the armies of India and Carthage, bringing overwhelming power to the battlefield. Homing pigeons were used for messaging, their ability to return to their point of origin being exploited to transmit crucial information. The hawks and other raptors were also used for hunting and sometimes for reconnaissance missions. These diverse uses show human ingenuity in exploiting animals for military purposes.
Here are the dog breeds used in security today
Today, several dog breeds are commonly used in the security and protection fields. German Shepherds are widely used by police and military forces for their intelligence and obedience. Belgian Malinoissimilar to German Shepherds but often considered more agile, are also very popular. Rottweilers and Dobermans are used for guarding and protection because of their strength and loyalty. Labradors and Golden Retrievers are often employed in detection roles, particularly searching for drugs and explosives, thanks to their excellent sense of smell and docile nature. These dogs continue to play essential roles, providing security in various settings around the world.
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