Roman hunts involved hunters taking positions with weapons while slaves tracked animals with hunting dogs. When animals fled from hiding, the pursuit began as dogs chased them, being pelted by stones and cries until they were caught in nets or finished off in hand-to-hand combat if they stood their ground against attackers.

1. Hunting in the Roman World

8. Description of a Roman Hunt When the place for the hunt was reached, each hunter took his weapons and went to his position. The slaves, with the hunting dogs on the leash, followed the animals’ tracks and tried to run them down. As soon as the beast left its hiding place, the pursuit began. Cont.

9. Description of a Roman Hunt Cont. Those which, when wounded, stood at bay against their attackers, were finished off in a hand-to-hand fight between man and beast; most fled, with the dogs at their heels, pelted with stones and terrified by cries, and were skilfully guided in the required direction until they were caught and trapped in closely woven nets. [Paoli, U. (1999) Rome: Its People, Life and Customs . 245. London.]

10. Questions on Roman Hunting: What kind of Romans hunted? Why did Romans hunt? (What was their purpose for hunting?) What sort of animals did they hunt? What weapons were used? Where did Romans hunt? Did the Roman hunters require any helpers? What skills were involved in hunting?