Many different types of hippopotamus representations occurred throughout ancient Egypt, but the most famous are doubtless the wonderful faience hippopotami . . .
Whereas many [Moche decorated ceramics] were ultimately placed in burials or made especially for the dead, most were produced to be used by the living in everyday life.
Across the regions of the empire, gladiators and their preparation for fights were depicted through various media, including terracotta oil lamps, figurines, glass vessels, pottery, and relief sculpture.
Since the acquisition of exotic creatures was very expensive, they would often be sent to menageries or zoological gardens around Rome to be tamed and trained for public entertainment before they reached the games, where death was inevitable.
