Around 800 BC, domestic chickens began to appear in the Mediterranean region and Ethiopia, likely introduced through trade routes from Asia. This marked a significant development in agriculture and food production, as chickens provided a reliable source of meat and eggs. The spread of chickens influenced culinary practices and agricultural methods across cultures. Their domestication played a crucial role in the evolution of farming and the development of societies in the Mediterranean.

The arrival of chickens in the Mediterranean region provided new symbols for Greek and Roman poets, enriching their odes and fables. Poets like Homer and Hesiod utilized barnyard metaphors to convey themes of vigilance and courage, reflecting the cultural significance of domesticated animals.