Dolphin Symbol

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

The Dolphin Symbol in The Ancient World

• 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. The Dolphin was also associated with Aphrodite and Apollo.
• 40 Greek cities used the Dolphin symbol on their coins.
• The coins of the Ancient sea power of Tyre, some dating from around 450 BCE often portrayed a Dolphin.

The Dolphin Symbol during the Roman Empire

• 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.
• Some Roman Coins from Augustus to Domitian, bear the image of a Dolphin wrapped round an Anchor, which Augustus used for a time as his symbol.
• Early Christians also used the Dolphin with a ship or anchor. This symbolised the Church being guided by Christ.