Streiflichter auf das Verhältnis von Mensch und Tier in mythischen, religiösen, philosophischen und satirischen Diskursen der griechisch-römischen Antike

Abstract

The Graeco-Roman world considered both humans and animals to be "living beings" or animalia\). But how were they perceived to differ, which ranked more highly? The article explores these questions, drawing on numerous and disparate sources, ranging from myths of metamorphosis to ideas on the transmigration of the soul, philosophical reflexions, and satirical caricatures. We will see, among other things, that interest in the human-animal-relationship during Graeco-Roman antiquity was very one-sided.