10 Wild Animals Ancient Cultures Successfully Tamed

Human history is defined by our ability to bend the natural world to our will. While cats and dogs are the standard companions today, ancient civilizations were much more adventurous with the creatures they brought into their homes and armies. From the dense jungles of the Americas to the arid plains of Africa, people successfully trained some of the most formidable predators and unusual species on the planet. These animals were not just kept as mindless pets to be admired from a safe distance. Instead, they were actively trained to hunt food, fight in massive wars, and even act as security guards for the ruling elite.

This list explores ten ancient cultures that proved even formidable wild animals could sometimes be trained with enough patience and skill, though not all were truly domesticated.

Related: 10 Extraordinary Animal Migration Journeys

10 The Mughals of India (Cheetahs)

In the 16th century, the Mughal Empire in India elevated the practice of cheetah coursing to an unprecedented scale. Emperor Akbar the Great was so obsessed with the sport that he reportedly owned over 1,000 hunting cheetahs at a single time. He revolutionized the capture and training methods, personally taking an interest in the welfare of his animals.

Akbar developed a system of carts drawn by bullocks to transport the hooded cheetahs close to the herds of blackbuck antelope. This allowed the high-strung cats to conserve their energy for the final, explosive sprint rather than tiring themselves out walking to the site. The emperor even kept detailed records of each cheetah’s success rate, name, and personality traits in the royal archives.

This massive royal obsession had a devastating long-term effect on the local cheetah population. Because the Mughals preferred to capture adult cheetahs who already knew how to hunt, wild populations were continuously depleted, unable to reproduce in captivity. This centuries-long tradition of mass capture contributed to the eventual disappearance of the Asiatic cheetah in India in the 20th century.^[1]

9 The Carthaginians of North Africa (War Elephants)

The ancient city of Carthage, located in modern-day Tunisia, became famous for its use of the now-extinct North African forest elephant in warfare. These animals were slightly smaller than their bush elephant cousins but were still terrifying to human infantry. Their most famous deployment occurred during the Punic Wars when the brilliant general Hannibal marched them across the Alps.

Capturing and training these massive beasts was a monumental task that required immense resources. Specialized Carthaginian handlers would capture wild elephants, taming them through a combination of food rewards, discipline, and constant human contact. They were taught to charge enemy lines on command, causing absolute panic among troops who had never seen such giant creatures.

While they were highly effective psychological weapons, using wild elephants in battle was an incredibly risky strategy. If the elephants became wounded or terrified by loud noises, they would frequently panic and trample their own soldiers. Despite these dangers, the sheer prestige and initial shock value made them a staple of Carthaginian military doctrine for generations.^[2]

8 The Ancient Chinese (Cormorants)

For over a thousand years, fishermen in ancient China mastered a highly cooperative method of fishing using a large aquatic bird called the cormorant. These birds are natural divers with a biological drive to hunt fish underwater. Chinese fishermen figured out that they could harness this instinct to feed their families and make a living on the rivers.

To make the system work, the fisherman would tie a small ring or string around the base of the bird’s neck. This allowed the cormorant to swallow small fish but prevented it from swallowing larger, commercially viable fish. The bird would dive from the bamboo raft, catch a large fish, and return to the boat, where the fisherman would retrieve the catch from its throat.

This was often described as a cooperative relationship between human and bird. The fishermen treated their cormorants with care, feeding them the smaller fish as a reward at the end of the day. The birds often lived with the same family for their entire lives, becoming valued working animals, and the practice still survives today in small regions.^[3]

7 The Mongols of the Steppes (Golden Eagles)

The nomadic tribes of the Central Asian steppes, including the ancestors of the Mongols, developed the breathtaking art of eagle hunting. They realized that the golden eagle, with its massive wingspan and powerful talons, was the ultimate sky predator. By taming these birds, the nomads could hunt foxes, hares, and even small wolves across the frozen plains.

The process of taming an eagle began with a daring climb to a high-cliff nest to take a young female eaglet. Female eagles were preferred because they are significantly larger and more aggressive than males. The hunter would spend months hand-feeding the bird and singing to it so that it would learn to recognize his specific voice and scent.

This practice, known as burkitshi, was a vital survival skill that provided warm furs and meat during the brutal winters on the steppe. It also served as a rite of passage for young men, proving their maturity and deep connection to the spirit of the natural world. Today, a small number of traditional hunters still keep this ancient practice alive in remote parts of Mongolia.^[4]

6 The Ancient Egyptians (Baboons)

The people of ancient Egypt had a unique relationship with baboons, specifically the olive baboon and the hamadryas baboon. These primates were not native to the lower Nile, so they had to be imported from farther south at great expense. Once in Egypt, they were integrated into daily life in ways that seem bizarre to the modern observer.

Historical reliefs and artwork suggest that the Egyptians trained these intelligent animals to perform tasks like picking fruit from high trees. Some sources also depict handlers using them in crowded marketplaces to deter thieves and guard property, relying on the animals’ natural aggression and sharp teeth.

Beyond their practical uses, baboons held massive religious significance in Egyptian culture. They were closely associated with Thoth, the god of wisdom and writing, because they often chatter at the rising sun. Because of this divine connection, many baboons were mummified after death and buried with honors in their own dedicated tombs.^[5]

5 The Incas of South America (Llamas)

The Inca Empire of the Andes relied heavily on one of the only large animals successfully domesticated in the Americas: the llama. Descended from the wild guanaco, llamas were essential to the functioning of Inca society, especially in the harsh, high-altitude environment of the Andes Mountains.

Llamas were primarily used as pack animals, capable of carrying loads of about 50–75 pounds (23–34 kg) across steep mountain trails where wheeled vehicles were useless. They were also a source of wool, meat, and hides, making them a versatile resource for everyday life. In addition to these practical uses, llamas were closely tied to the social and economic systems of the empire.

The Inca developed extensive state-controlled herds, carefully managing breeding and distribution across their vast territory. These animals were so vital that they were often used in religious ceremonies and sacrifices, reflecting their importance beyond simple labor. While llamas are now fully domesticated, their early use by the Inca demonstrates how ancient cultures could transform wild species into indispensable partners in both daily life and ritual.^[6]

4 The Ancient Greeks (Weasels)

Long before domestic cats became common in Europe, the ancient Greeks turned to a much smaller and more aggressive predator to control pests: the weasel. These slender, fast-moving animals were excellent hunters of mice and rats, making them valuable companions in homes and granaries.

Weasels were not fully domesticated, but they were successfully tamed to live alongside humans and perform a specific function. Their natural hunting instincts made them highly effective at protecting stored grain from rodents, a task critical to a society that depended heavily on agriculture and food preservation.

Despite their usefulness, weasels were not always the easiest animals to manage due to their aggressive temperament. Over time, they were gradually replaced by domestic cats, which proved easier to handle and more adaptable to household life. However, their early use highlights the ingenuity of ancient peoples in finding practical solutions to everyday problems using the animals available to them.^[7]

3 The Romans of Italy (Dormice)

The ancient Romans had a surprisingly unusual culinary tradition: they raised dormice as a delicacy. These small rodents were considered a luxury food item, particularly among the wealthy elite. They were often served at elaborate banquets as a symbol of status and refinement.

Romans developed specialized containers called gliraria, which were terracotta jars designed to house and fatten dormice. Inside these jars, the animals were kept in the dark and fed a diet of nuts and grains to increase their size. This process allowed them to be carefully raised and prepared for consumption.

The consumption of dormice became associated with wealth and extravagance, particularly during lavish feasts hosted by the Roman elite. While the idea may seem bizarre or even unappetizing today, it demonstrates how the Romans applied controlled animal husbandry techniques to even the smallest creatures in pursuit of culinary excess and social prestige.^[8]

2 The Coast Salish of North America (Woolly Dogs)

The Coast Salish peoples of the Pacific Northwest developed one of the most unique animal domestication practices in history: they bred a special type of dog specifically for its wool. These small, fluffy white dogs, now extinct, were carefully managed to produce thick coats that could be sheared and woven into textiles.

The dogs were often kept in isolated herds, sometimes on islands, to prevent them from breeding with other dogs and losing their distinctive woolly traits. This level of control allowed the Coast Salish to maintain the quality of the wool, which was essential for their textile production.

Their fur was harvested and spun into yarn, which was used to create blankets highly valued within the community. These blankets were not just practical items for warmth but also held ceremonial and economic significance, often used in trade and social exchanges. The extinction of the woolly dog following European contact marked the loss of a remarkable example of selective breeding in Indigenous cultures.^[9]

1 The Aztecs of Mesoamerica (Turkeys)

Long before turkeys became a staple of modern North American cuisine, the Aztecs of Mesoamerica had already domesticated them as an important food source. These birds were bred in large numbers and played a significant role in both everyday life and ceremonial practices.

Turkeys provided a steady supply of meat, eggs, and feathers, making them highly valuable in Aztec society. Their feathers were often used in decorative clothing and ritual items, while the birds themselves were sometimes offered in religious sacrifices as part of spiritual traditions.

Unlike many of the other animals on this list, turkeys were fully domesticated, living in close proximity to humans and relying on them for care and breeding. Their successful domestication highlights the Aztecs’ advanced agricultural knowledge and their ability to adapt wild species into reliable, sustainable resources.^[10]