Aesop, a Greek slave who lived about 550 BC, told a version of this fable.

The story was later recited in ancient Rome, where runaway slaves and criminals were often forced to fight wild animals in the arena.

The traditional fable has a satisfying moral: 'A kindness is often repaid.' This, as well as its strong drama, has made it a popular story for many centuries.

Set in North Africa and Rome about 140 BC.