Because of all the myths and legends, humans have deep-rooted and ambivalent feelings about certain animals. Insects and reptiles are the least-liked in the animal world, often provoking hysterical fear and deep-seated disgust. Religious beliefs are also at the root of our behaviour towards certain animals. In the Middle Ages, cats were burned alive because they were symbols of the devil; whereas the ancient Egyptians treated them like gods and lavished them with the most absurd attention. Birds of prey, symbols of power, skill and perfection have in turn been persecuted and glorified, depending on the era they lived in.