Phoenix (from the Aberdeen Bestiary) Long before zoology was established in the late 19th century, people kept records of the creatures around them. The Bestiary, popular throughout medieval times, was one of the more enduring practices, lasting over 1000 years. Originating in late antiquity with the Greek Physiologus, bestiaries captured not only the animals of daily life, but mythical beasts both fearsome and wondrous. Creatures of the air, water, land, and fire, sometimes mixed together, were represented. Their stories and illustrations included Christian allegories built upon the ancient animal lore of India, Egypt, and the Near East, as well as the philosophies of Aristotle and Pliny. These illuminated texts provide a window into the history and symbolism of many of the fabulous creatures that are still popular today. Suggested Sites... The Aberdeen Bestiary - peruse the images and text of the early 13th century bestiary. Bestiary - view the exhibit of medieval animal paintings and their associated lore. Medieval Bestiaries and the Birth of Zoology - http://www.antlionpit.com/aura.html Strange Science: The Rocky Road to Modern Paleontology and Biology - discover some of the monsters that have been recorded over the centuries.

Directory categories: Medieval Bestiaries, Fabulous Creatures, Cryptozoology

Archived under: Animals, History, Medieval Times, Monsters and Creatures, Mythology and Folklore

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