Los gatos del mundo antiguo: una historia a través del arte y la arqueología

In this one-time lesson, we will learn about the origins of the domesticated cat, starting with its origins in prehistory and following our feline friend throughout history. We will take a special look at cats in Egypt as they held a prominent place.  We will follow our sweet felines’ travels throughout the world (Middle East, Asia, Europe) and look at various breeds.  This class is purr-fect for cat lovers!
I begin the class by asking the learners what they know about cats, or what the questions are that they may have.  We begin our lesson by looking at a map and the countries where early evidence for cats was found.  I base my lessons on scholarly and archaeological publications to show the learners the evidence and facts that scientists have gathered so far, and I use a number of slides from my own collection or from archaeological excavations and museum collections.  Early evidence for the presence of cats in human settlements comes from bones excavated in and around the settlements, or from cats buried with their human companions.  We discuss the presence of cats in Egypt and look at wall paintings and even cat mummies!  Our lesson takes us to other countries where cats travelled – from Greece to Italy, Asia, and even Scandinavia.  Again, we look at archaeological, artistic and literary evidence, and multiple perspectives are presented and discussed.  
A ten-minute block is reserved at the end of the presentation for the learners to ask any questions that they may have, and they will be encouraged to introduce their precious cats to the group!

Throughout the class, we will ask the following questions:
•	What does the archaeological record tell us?
•	Who are the relatives of the domesticated cat? 
•	How do we interpret the archaeological material?
•	Can there be more than one theory?
•	What cultures embraced our furry friends?
•	How is the cat represented in art?
•	Who mummified cats?

The students will be encouraged to look, question, and draw and share their conclusions just as archaeologists and scientists do, based on the physical and artistic evidence presented.