By Dr Ibikunle Faramade
Bestiality is defined as sexual relations with animals. It has been in existence since the ancient times. This practice from the perspective of history is not peculiar to any place or culture. This could be inferred through various imprints of the ugly practice in the folk lore, religion, law, art and certain documented human behaviors. The abundance of information about the practice from all the parts of the world shows that the practice is beyond mere conjecture or fables. This column intends to explore the historical concept of bestiality, the contemporary views, legislations and sanctions across the world, with major emphasis on Nigeria.
According to some researchers in Anthrozoology, the practice of bestiality could be traced to the fourth glacial age between 40,000-25,000 years ago. This is evident in many paintings and carvings showing humans and animals having sexual relations. As a matter of fact, cave drawings of the stone age leave no one in doubt that some prehistoric ancestors were deeply involved in the practice.
In the near East, archeological evidence showed that bestiality was practiced in Babylonia, Mesopotamia. In the famous code of Hammurabi, King Hammurabi (1955-1913 BC) proclaimed death sentence on any person who engaged in bestiality.
The Hittites who lived around 13th century and predecessors of the Hebrews, had certain rules about which animals were tolerable to have sex with and which are forbidden and punishable by death. The biblical book of Leviticus indicated that bestiality was very widespread in Canaan. In the Old Testament, four men were recorded to have sexual contact with animals (Exodus 22:19, Leviticus 18:22-24; Leviticus 20:15-16; Deuteronomy 27:21) and two women were also reported for similar practice (Leviticus 18:23; Leviticus 20:16)
In ancient Egypt, evidence of bestiality was found in Egyptian hieroglyphics and was also portrayed on the tombs as far back as 3000BC. Several kings and queens were reported to have engaged in bestiality, the most famous of which was Cleopatra. Egyptian men often had sexual intercourse with cattle or any other domesticated animals while the women resorted to dogs. Sexual contact with apes were reported for both men and women. Crocodiles were also not spared which was believed to bring prosperity and restore men’s potency. Worshipful bestiality was equally practiced in Egypt with Apis Bull in Memphis and with goats at the Temple at Mendes. However, bestiality was punishable in Egypt by a variety of torture mechanism, leading to death of the culprit.
In the Greek mythology, bestiality themes were popular and the tones of the writers of the day leaves no one in doubt that bestiality was fairly common in their daily life. The ancient Greek engaged in bestiality during religious celebrations such as the Bacchanalia in honor of the god Bacchus, and in the Temple of Aphrodite Parne, the Greek goddess of indecent copulation. They believed bestiality cured nymphomaniacs (excessive sexual desire in a female). It is noteworthy that bestiality was never punished in ancient Greece.
There is abundant documentary evidence that bestiality was rife in ancient Rome. It was reported to be widespread among shepherds. In addition, it was also reported that the rape of women (and even men) was invented in Rome. Emperors such as Tiberius (AD54-68) and his wife Julia, Claudius (AD 37-41), Nero (AD 54-68) Constantine (AD 274-337), Theodora (Emperor Justinia wife) and Emperor Irene (AD797-802) were known to either engage in bestiality or enjoy others engaged in bestiality.
At the beginning of the Roman empire, there was legal retribution for bestiality or sodomy ender which bestiality was classified. Later, bestiality was separated from sodomy and made punishable by death. Sadly, as the Empire expanded and grew more powerful and corrupt, punishments for bestiality became almost non- existent.
To be continued. 
Dr. Ibikunle Faramade is a veterinary pathologist, sustainable development practitioner, animal welfare advocate and a lecturer at the Federal College of Animal Health & Production Technology, Apata. He’s the President/C.E.O. of the Society for Animal Rights Protection, a non- governmental and not- for- profit organization dedicated to the promotion of animal welfare, animal rights and prevention of cruelty to animals in Nigeria. (animalrightsprotection2020@gmail.com; +2348028305284)
