Ochoin wrote:
I have read of speculation the Minoan Bulls were a remnant population of aurochs (the giant, extinct wild cattle species).
It's a nice thought but unlikely.
As Kostis wrote; their size is probably an artistic convention.
donald
I have read that in numerous places.
There are big bulls out there. Spanish fighting bulls generally are on the smaller side, but if you look at American riding bulls they fit in more of the profile of the Minoan beasts. I remember going to the county show on Anglesey when I was younger. There was a Hereford bull there that was only a couple of inches shorter than I was - 5ft 9in.
Aurochs were big beasts, but bad tempered, I suspect that the aurochs bloodline was included for the size, and other tractable bloodlines added to that.