Changes

The royal hunt was an important symbol of power for kings and emperors. Few activities, such as the royal hunt, persist since the inception of royalty in the late 4th millennium BCE. The origin of parks and large reserves, rather than starting as areas to protect animals and plants, were initially intended to be reserves for royalty to commence in the hunt. The hunt was also a time to conduct important state business and meet dignitaries, perhaps similar to how golf is done today by US presidents and other world leaders. The royal hunt, at times a dangerous activity, as kings could be vulnerable to injury or even death, was also seen as an arena to demonstrate that the king was in control and powerful, an important symbol for the state and its continuity.