How mythology could help demystify dog domestication
A family tree of myths supports the theory that dogs were first domesticated in Asia
In ancient Greek mythology, Hercules captures Cerberus (depicted on this German engraving from the 16th century), the three-headed dog that guards the gate to the underworld. Myths like this might shed light on the history of dog domestication.
Hans Sebald Beham/Mr. and Mrs. Lewis B. Williams Collection, Cleveland Museum of Art