Wegner added that early Egyptians commonly depicted two general types of dogs: a greyhound-looking canine and one that looked more like a corgi. Another researcher, Samantha Cox, and other scientists plan to study Hapi-Puppy to more precisely identify it. "The ancient Egyptians showed dogs being held on a leash, sitting under the chairs of owners, and they even sometimes listed their names, such as Brave One, Reliable, North Wind and even Useless," said Wegner. "Obviously people enjoyed close relationships with their dogs, and Hapi-Men must have been no exception." Royals appeared to enjoy pets as well. Ruler Intef Wahankh II was immortalized in a stele with his three hunting dogs named Gazelle, Greyhound and Black. Images suggest Cleopatra may have preferred cats, which were also popular. The scans showed Hapi-Men was 40-plus when he died, a relatively advanced age for his time. He was draped with numerous amulets, including a "wadjet eye" stuck in the middle of his forehead, heart-shaped objects, a scarab beetle, an Isis goddess figurine and objects in the shape of the four Sons of Horus, associated with renewal and healing. The cause of Hapi-Puppy's demise remains unknown, but the dog's age suggests it was killed upon his master's death. "We see this as a senseless slaughter today, but in ancient Egypt it would've been viewed very differently," Monge explained. "People then felt life on Earth was very short. Hapi-Men wanted to spend all of eternity with his dog." Related Links: University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology |
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