In ancient Greek and Roman culture, sharks were often seen as powerful and terrifying supernatural creatures. They were mentioned in literature and art and symbolised strength and danger.
The polymath and philosopher Aristotle already made observations on the biology of sharks. It was he who discovered that many shark species have a placenta similar to that of mammals and give birth to fully formed young.
Today, many subspecies of these fascinating creatures are on the brink of extinction. Either through bycatch, climate change or the gross bad habit of consuming shark fin soup as an overpriced delicacy in Asia.
Original in the Archaeological Museum in Rhodes, around 440 BC, replica slightly
reduced in size.
