The recent archaeological discovery at the Red Sea port of Berenike sheds new light on the interaction between the Romans and Ancient India. The unearthing of several burials containing the remains of pet monkeys has provided valuable insights into the trade networks that connected the Roman Empire with India via the Indian Ocean.
Romans were known for their affinity towards dogs, with occasional mentions of cats as well. However, the discovery of Indian macaque skeletons in the Berenike animal cemetery challenges the belief that Roman pet monkeys were Barbary macaques from Africa. These primates were found buried alongside cats and dogs, each with a collar indicating they were cherished pets. The presence of piglet and kitten skeletons in these graves suggests that monkeys themselves had companions.
The history of keeping monkeys as pets dates back to the Minoans in the second millennium BCE. By the first century CE, monkeys were a common sight in Roman households, as noted by the natural historian Pliny the Elder. The bones of a pet monkey found in Pompeii and Roman reliefs depicting monkeys in storefronts further support the idea that monkeys were valued as pets in Roman society.
The study led by Polish archaeologists Marta Osypińska, Piotr Osypiński, and Iwona Zych suggests that Roman soldiers, particularly officers and soldiers from the III or XXII legions, may have purchased pet monkeys as prestige items. The presence of monkey burials in Berenike indicates that these animals were traded from India, highlighting the vibrant trade between the Roman Empire and India beyond just spices and ivory.
The discovery of extensive trade between the Roman Empire and India challenges previous assumptions and underscores the interconnectedness of the ancient world. Jeremy Simmons, in his upcoming book “Sea of Treasures: A Cultural History of Ancient Indian Ocean Trade,” emphasizes the importance of understanding the far-reaching impact of Indian Ocean exports on the people of the Roman Mediterranean.
In conclusion, the pet monkey burials at Berenike offer a fascinating glimpse into the trade networks and cultural exchanges between India and the Roman Empire. This discovery adds another layer to our understanding of ancient trade routes and the diverse relationships that shaped the history of the ancient world.
