ROME- Gladiators and lions are perhaps the first things that spring to mind when you think of the Colosseum in Rome. A recent study has discovered a more unlikely amphitheater star - the sausage dog.
Dachshund ancestors were likely amongst some of the tourist spots at the Colosseum approximately 1,500 years ago, probably participating in wars, hunts, and circus performances. While digging the drains of the famed 2,000-year-old amphitheater, archaeologists discovered the remains of little dogs comparable to dachshunds for the very first time.
Alfonsina Russo, the administrator of the Colosseum, uncovered several bones from dogs that were identical to the present sausage dog, as reported by The Telegraph.
Amusing the Ancient Rome
They stood just under 30 centimeters [11.8 inches] tall. We believe they were used to do acrobatic tricks, similar to what you may encounter in a circus today. Or they might have been employed in simulated hunts or pitted against bears and other large creatures. They don't know for certain.
Venatio had a type of amusement in ancient Rome that involved various animals fighting one other or being trained to do stunts. According to the report, those dogs would have had sausage dog forebears rather than real dachshunds. The contemporary dachshund breed was established in early 18th-century Germany to go into holes and hunt badgers - dachs meaning badger in German.
As stated by the American Kennel Club (AKC), they were trained to be an autonomous hunter of difficult games; they may be fearless to the verge of rashness.
Dachshunds aren't intended for long-distance running, leaping, or swimming, yet these relentless dogs are up for anything.
They make excellent watchdogs because they are intelligent and watchful and have big-dog bark. They were bred to be independent hunters of difficult game, and they may be fearless to the extent of rashness and a little obstinate, but their lovable character and unusual appearance have earned millions of hearts worldwide.
Sausage dogs could have been made to fight bears in the Colosseum of ancient Rome, archaeologists said
Sewer Filled with Skeletons
Archaeologists from the Colosseum discovered the bones of huge dogs, lions, leopards, bears, and even ostriches in the old sewers. The discoveries were uncovered after a year-long investigation in which archaeologists combed under 70 meters (230 feet) of sewers and drainage systems beneath the Colosseum, which could seat up to 50,000 people.
In addition to the animal carcasses, scientists discovered the remains of munchies that viewers would have consumed, such as fruits, almonds, and olives. As reported by Insider, they also uncovered more than 50 late Roman bronze coins and a silver piece commemorating the tenure of the ruler Marcus Aurelius from roughly 170-171 CE, who was immortalized by the film Gladiator.
The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheater, has been a vast Roman amphitheater. It was erected as a present to the Roman people during the rule of the Flavian emperors, as per National Geographic.
The Colosseum's construction began between C.E. Vespasian reigned between 70 and 72. It opened over a decade ago and was changed multiple times throughout the years that followed. The gigantic building stretched around 189 by 156 meters (620 by 513 feet), stood tall four floors high, and contained eighty gates to the pavilion for spectators, two for event participants, and two for the emperor's special usage. Its sheer quantity of entrances proved necessary: the Colosseum's greatest capacity was more than 50,000 spectators.
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