Leopard
The leopard is a felid in the genus Panthera characterized by its yellow fur marked with rosettes. Similar in appearance to the jaguar of the Americas,[1] it is native to Africa and Asia.
History
5th century BCE
In the wilds of ancient Greece, leopards hunted as did lions, wolves, and bears. The Spartan misthios Kassandra hunted and tamed some of them. The fur of a leopard was considered exotic, and was valued at 47 drachmae.[2]
1st century BCE
Historically, leopard furs were valued by humans in places such as Egypt for insulation against cold and windy weather, and as a status symbol: the pelts were especially sought by various priests. In 48 BCE, one leopard pelt was worth 50 drachmae.[3]
18th century
Among the treasures he gathered during his adventures, Alonzo Batilla also had an ivory sculpture featuring a sacred leopard.[4]
Behind the scenes
Realistically and despite the Greeks having knowledge of them, leopards are not known to have been native to Ancient Greece, unlike lions. However there have been unconfirmed sighting in the past on Greek islands, especially on those near the coast of Turkey.
In Assassin's Creed: Origins, leopard skins were the only legendary animal skins in the game, overshadowing lions and crocodiles whose skins were listed as rare.
Gallery
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A leopard in 5th century BCE Greece
Appearances
- Assassin's Creed: Pirates (mentioned only)
- Assassin's Creed: Origins
- Assassin's Creed: Odyssey