The Reign of the Greyhound, by Cynthia A. Branigan

Greyhounds were respected so highly by the Egyptians that they were never sold, but were given as gifts to visiting leaders. This practice was one way that the Greyhound began to make its pilgrimage around the world. In ancient Greece, Greyhounds continued to be held in high regard. They continued to be a focal point of civilized society. Greyhounds were also important in Greek mythology. The goddess of wealth and the underworld, Hecate, is often pictured with a Greyhound at her side. The story of Actaeon and Artemis is probably the best known of the tales of Greyhounds in Greek mythology.

Chapter 4, Ancient Rome

Continuing on to Rome - dogs figured highly in this culture also. Rome is famous for their art and education, but if you will remember from your history classes, they possessed a streak of cruelty too. The Romans enjoyed their entertainment - animals as well as people were often sacrificed for the enjoyment of the crowd. Dogs actually managed to survive better than most animals. In fact, the Romans were the first group of people to feed their pet dogs on a regular basis. The Greeks had allowed dogs to live in their houses, but they were expected to catch their own food. This chapter talks about many myths and legends. Also ancient coursing traditions are described.

Chapter 5, The Decline and Rise of the Modern Greyhound

During the early Middle Ages, civilization really took a beating. Extreme poverty overtook many people; the breakdown of the social order also caused problems. Because of these troubles thousands of stray and abandoned Greyhounds roamed Europe. The breed might have disappeared forever except for the kindness of small numbers of clergymen and nobles. In fact, the British and European nobility was probably the group most responsible for the safekeeping of the Greyhound during the Middle Ages. Greyhounds were the favorites of the aristocracy and many families chose them to be depicted on their coats of arms. The Greyhounds symbolized fidelity, alertness and undying affection. During the Middle Ages and on into the Renaissance, Greyhounds attained a position in art similar to their status in life.

Chapter 6, Greyhounds Arrive In The New World

Greyhounds, the first European dogs to come to the New World, accompanied Christopher Columbus on his second trip, which left Spain in September 1493. The first stop for Columbus on this trip was in Jamaica. The role Greyhounds played in this event is described on

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