There is a world somewhere between reality and fiction. Although ignored by many, it is very real and so are those living in it. This forum is about the natural world. Here, wild animals will be heard and respected. The forum offers a glimpse into an unknown world as well as a room with a view on the present and the future. Anyone able to speak on behalf of those living in the emerald forest and the deep blue sea is invited to join.
The information that the Romans had about the tiger came from Caspian and Bengal specimens; Greeks only know a skin (from India) and some testimonies, nothing more. However, they were always rare and it seems that 4 where the maximum number presented in public, ever! Image this, for comparison, when hundreds of lions were presented, and killed, in one single act.
There is no doubt that tigers were always a rarity in the ancient Europe. By the way, I think that it would be a good idea to create a topic about animals in the ancient world. Give me some time and I am going to scan the full chapter about this theme in the book of Thapar "Tiger: the ultimate guide".