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COURTESY OF THE GETTY’S OPEN CONTENT PROGRAM

PRIZED PET. This Roman gravestone once marked the grave of Helena, a beloved pet dog. Its epitaph reads, “To Helena, foster child, soul without comparison and deserving of praise.” A Maltese dog appears above the inscription. Measuring about 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide, the marble stele dates to 150–200 C.E. It is currently on view at the Getty Villa in Los Angeles.