On ancient reliefs, especially from Mesopotamia, kings are often depicted as hunters of big game such as lions and are often portrayed hunting from a war chariot. The cultural and psychological importance of hunting in ancient societies is represented by deities such as the horned god Cernunnos and lunar goddesses of classical antiquity, the Greek Artemis or Roman Diana. Taboos are often related to hunting, and mythological association of prey species with a divinity could be reflected in hunting restrictions such as a reserve surrounding a temple. Euripides' tale of Artemis and Actaeon, for example, may be seen as a caution against disrespect of prey or impudent boasting. COUNT 9
QSN1 What are kings often depicted as on ancient reliefs? ANS1 hunters QSN2 What are the kings portrayed as hunting? ANS2 big game QSN3 How was the cultural importance of hunting in ancient societies represented? ANS3 by deities QSN4 What could the mythological association of prey species with divinity be a form of? ANS4 hunting restrictions QSN5 What might the meaning of Euripides' tale be seen as a caution against? ANS5 disrespect of prey QSN6 Kings were depicted as hunting what big game from a chariot? ANS6 lions QSN7 What is often related to hunting? ANS7 Taboos QSN8 Deities represent what importance? ANS8 cultural and psychological QSN9 What tale is seen as cautions against disrespecting prey or impudent boasting? ANS9 Euripides' tale of Artemis and Actaeon