Abstract

This chapter examines the use of animals in warfare in ancient times. It explains that some creatures deployed against enemies were involuntary zoological allies, such as herds of cattle and wasps, whose aggression leads them to attack human targets. Other animals were trained for specific purposes, such as dogs for sentry duty, mules and camels for carrying baggage, horses for cavalry mounts, and elephants for attacking. This chapter also mentions the use of oxen for transporting heavy siege engines and catapults and pigs against war elephants.