larsdatter:So, let’s learn more about this exotic creature, the medieval elephant. What’s with the c
larsdatter:So, let’s learn more about this exotic creature, the medieval elephant. What’s with the castles on their backs?The Aberdeen Bestiary says,[Of the elephant] … no larger animal is seen. The Persians and Indians, carried in wooden towers on their backs, fight with javelins as from a wall.Likewise, in his Natural History, Pliny the Elder explains:The tamed sort of them serve in the warre, and carrie little castles or turrets with armed souldiers, to enter the squadrons and battailons of the enemies: and for the most part, all the service in the warres of the East, is perfourmed by them, and they especially determine the quarrell: these be they that breake the rankes, beare down armed men that are in the way, and stamp them under foot.The elephant-and-castle continued to appear on heraldry, as well as inn-signs — including the Elephant & Castle chain of pub-themed restaurants in the U.S. and Canada. -- source link
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