To start reading this article from the beginning please click here The Romans, who were able to appreciate the courage of the enemy, immediately organized the delivery of the British fighting dogs in the metropolis, the benefit was that they could move by land, in contrast to the Phoenicians. It was in Rome, where these dogs got their name “Mastiff”, and won fame as a great four-legged gladiators in the circus arena. But, of course, these dogs were only a link on the path to the modern English Mastiff, and they had to go through nearly two thousand years way, changing, improving, and sometimes losing some features to become modern breed.
Did you know some interesting historical facts about Mastiffs?
1. Marco Polo wrote in his travel notes that Khan Kublai had 5000 dogs of this breed.
2. Mastiffs were used as living weapon during numerous battles.
3. Mastiffs accompanied Hannibal troops in the campaigns crossing the Alps.
4. Legends claim that this breed was common even in ancient Babylon. Mastiffs were used for hunting on lions and wild horses.
5. In England, Mastiffs were used to guard castles and manor houses from thieves and poachers.
6. In Rome, Mastiffs helped the fishermen to catch the bullhead.
7. Alexandria jewelers considered the best way to cut the gems placing them into the dog’s stomach. Usually, Mastiffs were used for these purposes, and the priority was given to males. The stone was placed in a piece of meat, which was given to the dog with a portion of bones, that ground the stone in the stomach so that the jeweler had only to finish it. After the stone had passed through the dog’s stomach it acquired a special brilliance. The dog was looked after by a slave, called the "henchman" and it was the one that had master’s credit. He was obliged to take care of the dog and get the gem from litter.
To start reading this article from the beginning please click here 
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