From the latin "monere"; to warn. "monitor"; One that admonishes, cautions, or reminds.

Monitors were thought to "whistle", warning people of the presence of crocodiles.

Monitors were locally traded as well as exported from Terra Gaetula (the latin term for africa) by Roman traders. These were primarily exported for display, as their skins were not highly valued in import countries. "Display" refers to contests between monitors, and actions with prey animals, in the hundreds of local arenas built throughout the Roman Empire. (BTW, "arena" is latin for "sand".) Wealthier cities such as Rome could afford the exorbitant costs associated with transporting exotic animals for "displays" during festivals and holidays. Contrary to popular belief, most contests in Roman arenas involved animals; either animal vs. animal, or man vs. animal.

In short, they were kept (poorly) for short periods as curiosities, but not as "pets" in the traditional sense. Of course, there are always exceptions. Maybe some ancestor of Robyn in a leopardskin tunic....I just threw up a little in my mouth.



Heheheheh

[ Show Entire Thread ]