Dolphin

The Dolphin was considered to be a symbol of Divine protection by Ancient Greek and Roman sailors.
This was because Dolphins often rode the bow wave of vessels at sea, as they still do today.

Ancient fishermen often cooperated with Dolphins, because of their extraordinary ability to act as a team together and round up entire schools of fish.
The Greek God of the Sea, Poseidon, had four symbols: the Trident, the Fish, the Horse and the Dolphin.
The Dolphin was considered to be his Messenger, and was also associated with Aphrodite and Apollo.
The coins of the Ancient sea power of Tyre, some dating from around 450 BCE often portrayed a Dolphin.

Roman Mosaics often portrayed the Greek Child Sea God Palaemon, who the Romans called Portunus, riding on the back of a Dolphin.
The sculpture known as the Prima Porta Augustus (c. 20 BCE), portrays Augustus, with a boy on a Dolphin beside his right foot. This symbolised his great naval victory over Mark Anthony at the Battle of Actium (31 BCE).

Mediterranean