Famous Historical Animals Like the Whale that Irked Justinian (Video)

Animals have been intertwined with human history for millennia, dating back to periods before the Cambrian Explosion. Throughout the ages, numerous remarkable encounters between humans and animals have been recorded, illustrating the significant roles these creatures played. One such example is the whale Porphyrios, which during the reign of Emperor Justinian, plagued the waters near Constantinople for over fifty years. Descriptions from the historian Prokopios detail Porphyrios’s massive size and his infamous reign of terror against local fishermen and ships. The tale culminates in 550 AD when the whale was washed ashore and killed by locals.

Another notable historical animal is Bucephalus, the horse of Alexander the Great. This horse, possibly named for its ox-like head, became Alexander’s trusted companion after he managed to tame it by facing it towards the sun to eliminate its fear of shadows. Bucephalus’s loyalty and strength accompanied Alexander through numerous battles, and upon its death, the grief-stricken conqueror founded a city in its honor.

In the Mughal Empire, Emperor Akbar had a special bond with animals such as his prized cheetah, Samand Malik, and the elephant Hawa’i. These animals were not only symbols of luxury and power but also integral to the cultural and hunting practices of the Mughal elite. Akbar’s interactions with these animals, such as taming the fierce Hawa’i, were emblematic of his control and prowess.

In medieval France, the story of St. Guinefort, a dog revered as a saint, highlights the deep spiritual and protective roles animals played in society. Despite the Church’s efforts to suppress the cult, the local belief in the dog’s miraculous powers persisted, reflecting the enduring bond between humans and their animal protectors.

Top image: Giant whale under the sea. Source:    Катерина Євтехова/Adobe Stock

By Robbie Mitchell