Since time immemorial, man has shared this planet with other living species: the animals. He first used them as a source of food, by hunting and farming, but also to keep warm and take shelter under their skin, or to produce tools or pieces of jewellery with their bones. The status of the animal has changed significantly over the last millennia, as it became a work force in the fields, an object of entertainment in the arenas, or a new companion in everyday life.

These different functions are illustrated by a selection of magnificent ancient artefacts from Egypt, the Middle East, Greece and the Roman world.