Because of this practice, and the dogs warm, affectionate nature and small size, which made it easy to hold in ones arms or lap, the Maltese became known as the “Comforter.” The dog was particularly popular in England during Elizabethan times (the late 16th century). The ailing would place the dog on their stomach or chest for comfort. Maltese were believed to possess medicinal powers of healing. Especially by the upper class, aristocrats, states persons and royalty. The Maltese emerged untarnished from the Dark Ages and recorded as a prized dog. Notable ancient owners of Maltese include Roman Emperor Claudius and Publius, Roman governor of Malta. The dog is also mentioned in the writings of many Greek and Roman philosophers, and other ancient poets and historians, including: Aristotle, Timon, Callimachus, Aelian, Artimidorus, Epaminodus, Martial, Strabo, Pliny the Elder and Saint Clement of Alexandria. Numerous pictorial representations of the Maltese occur in Greek ceramic art, such as the vases found at Vulci (about 500 B.C.). They suggest that the Maltese was one of the dogs worshipped by the ancient Egyptians. The earliest known representations of Maltese dogs on artefacts found at Fayum, Egypt (600-300 B.C.).
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