Pets are a man’s bestfriend and have been for quite some time. Nowadays it’s a very common thing to own a pet, however this was also the case centuries ago.

We don’t think about it too often, but back in the day, pets were considered by some, very sacred and for others they were even idols. (now we get why cats think they are so superior).

Even great rulers and significant historic personalities had an animal bestfriend, but let’s find out more about those pets and who their owners were.

1. Bucephalus, Alexander The Great’s Horse

Their close bond started when Alexander was just 12/13 years old, when the animal couldn’t be tamed by anyone.

Alexander understood that he was just afraid of his shadow and with some kind words and a friendly attitude towards the animal, Bucephalus and the future ruler became friends right there and then.

He started riding him and with his help conquered the world. It is unclear how the four legged died but where he was buried, Alexander founded a city called Alexandria Bucephala.

2. The beloved cat of Prince Thutmose’s 

Even though cats were known to have been venerated by Egyptians during the Ancient Times, there’s not much reference to them as pets.

However, in 1892 when the tomb of the prince Thutmose was found and in it, the archaeologists also found a small sarcophagus with inscriptions and hieroglyphs on it.

Which meant that it was also the resting place of his pet. Apparently, the prince wanted the cat to be with him alive and in the afterlife too.

Where can we order one for us and our pet?!

3. Crassus had an eel

Marcus Licinius Crassus was a Roman general who played a major role in the creation and development of the Roman Empire. He also had a pond full of fish and eels as well.

The general developed a soft spot for one of the eels, bringing it jewels and giving it daily treats. When the eel died, Crassus buried the animal and even wept.

4. The crow of Amenemhat the 3rd

The pharaoh of Ancient Egypt had a tamed crow which he trained to deliver his messages. Apparently, the bird had  the equivalent intelligence of a border collie and was as good as a pigeon carrier, if not better.

When the pet died the pharaoh had built it a tomb.

5. The pet snake of a Roman emperor

Tiberius, a Roman emperor, had a snake as his pet. He would really care about the reptile, some say he would even care for the pet more than he would for his successors (that’s kind of extreme isn’t it?!).

Tiberius would feed the snake from his own hand. He would even take it  with him on trips and on one occasion, he found his snake dead covered in ants.

Because he wasn’t exactly liked at that time, his advisors told him it would be better to return and the killing of the snake was a warning.

6. Queen Elizabeth II’s two corgis and one dorgi

The Queen is known for her long term appreciation for corgis. In fact she is often pictured with them.

The dorgi is the short term for the mix between a dachshund and a corgi, and hers came after one of her corgis  mated with her sister’s dachshund.

Takeaway

These examples are the living proof that they have always been our bestfriends. No matter what type, breed or shape, humans will always have a fondness for animals.