Friends of Antiquity Sunday Series: all about eels – Romans and other animals

Join UQ’s Friends of Antiquity September Sunday Series event, ‘All about eels – Romans and other animals’.

The ancient Romans kept pets, including dogs, birds and fish, but also more exotic species including eels. In the late republic, some wealthy Romans were known as piscinarii (‘fish-fanciers’), due to their fixation on exotic fish.

These pets could be the objects of deep affection, reflected in moving epitaphs and gravestones, or even gifts of jewellery. However, other animals were not so lucky – some were exploited for agricultural purposes, religious sacrifice or, most famously, in the arena.

Join Dr Kit Morrell to explore the relationships between Romans and their pets, from dogs to moray eels, and the broader context of ancient attitudes towards animals. Whether you’re a history buff or an animal lover, this talk promises intriguing insights into the ancient world.

Meet the presenter: Dr Kit Morrell

Dr Kit Morrell joined the University of Queensland in July 2020 as Susan Blake Lecturer in Classics and Ancient History. Dr Morrell's research and teaching focus is Roman history, especially the political and legal history of the late Roman republic. Currently, Dr Morrell's research focuses on the idea and practise of reform in republican Rome.