Caesar's Giraffe

   The giraffe, that is CAMELOPARD, according to Cassius Dio, came to Rome by Caesar. Dio also explains that it looks quite leopard only its hind legs are shorter than her forelegs (which makes it a little unstable) and its neck is quite long. Aside from these little things, it’s like a leopard, you might even confuse the two. But it could be a panther anyway. After all, it is already a leopard, it can even be a panther.

  Iulius Caesar was the first to bring a giraffe to Europe from Alexandria. This strange, then unknown thing, remind the Romans of a leopard and a camel for some reason, which is why it was named CAMELOPARDALIS, or more confidentally CAMELOPARD. Pausanias was reminded of the Indian camel in a leopard fur coat, while Heliodorus marvels at its dimensions. In addition to the dotted fur and long neck, the ancient authors also mention the lovely and friendly nature of the giraffe (this cannot be said of the unreliable natured felines). Pliny calls it OVIS FERAE (wild sheep) and Heliodorus mentions that you can drive with a rope around its neck.

  Caesar celebrated his return to Rome with five different triumphant marches. In this endless cavalcade, Cleopatra appeared, bringing with her the first giraffe as a gift to Caesar. After the dazzling introduction, the animal took its place in the circus. Yes, nasty things happened in the circus. Cassius Dio also reported that Caesar held festive games in memory of the death of his daughter, Iulia (she died in a maternal fever more than 20 years ago), where an animal accuser entertained the blood-hungry Roman people, and here I am, please, the gentle and placed giraffe as a beast sacrificed its blood and life for the greatest satisfaction of the people. It was not common practice for a newly known animal to be cut up immediately, as the elephants captured after the occupation of Carthage were not executed either, but could be admired in the contemporary zoo. Because every miracle lasts for three days, later also the peaceful elephants could go to the arena to bleed. The destruction of exotics and specialties was a kind of fortress demonstration. I will do it, because I can do it. Because all the treasures of the world are mine. Perhaps the giraffes were saved from regular battles by their infinite gentleness. According to Pliny, wealth means you have a treasure that can be destroyed in an instant, so wealth is a kind of good relationship with the goddess of destiny, since it is a matter of luck. Whoever is really rich does not care about destroying anything, since you can get another one from him at any time, there is no irreplaceable thing for the rich man. 

  The first giraffe was followed by many others, for example, one of the giraffes died with a rhino, five hippos, and two elephants during a Commodus’ party. If all was true, Dio could see it with his own eyes.

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