Medieval bestiaries were popular compendia of natural history, often illustrated, that were produced in Europe during the Middle Ages. They contained descriptions of a wide range of animals, both real and mythical, and were often used for moralistic or didactic purposes.
Ants were one of the most common animals featured in medieval bestiaries. They were often depicted as symbols of industry and cooperation, and their behavior was often used to illustrate moral lessons. For example, the ant’s habit of storing food for the winter was often seen as a model of foresight and planning.
