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The '''lion''' is a large [[feline]]. Today restricted to Africa south of the [[Sahara]] and a small population in the Kathiawar peninsula of [[India]], historically lions were also found throughout the [[Middle East]], North Africa and in Southern Europe; hunting down the Nemean Lion was amongst the twelve labours of [[Hercules]].

The '''lion''' is a large [[feline]]. Today restricted to [[Africa]] south of the [[Sahara]] and a small population in the [[Kathiawar]] peninsula of [[India]], historically lions were also found throughout the [[Middle East]], North Africa and in Southern [[Europe]]; hunting down the Nemean Lion was amongst the twelve labours of [[Hercules]].

Lions are unusual amongst felines for their social habits, typically living in small family groups called prides, and their [[sexual dimorphism]], the male lion being readily distinguished from the lioness by his mane.

Lions are unusual amongst felines for their social habits, typically living in small family groups called prides, and their [[sexual dimorphism]], the male lion being readily distinguished from the lioness by his [[mane]].

Hunting in lion prides is typically done by the lionesses, often with some waiting in ambush while others drive prey in their direction. The male lions are generally the first to eat, though.

Hunting in lion prides is typically done by the lionesses, often with some waiting in [[ambush]] while others drive prey in their direction. The male lions are generally the first to eat, though.

== Man-eating lions ==

== Man-eating lions ==

Although isolated attacks by lions on humans are not uncommon, the development of habitual [[anthropophagy]] is rare in lions. However, in East Africa in 1898 a pride of man-eating lions devoured hundreds of railway workers constructing the Uganda Railway, severely disrupting progress on the line, before they were finally shot by J. H. Patterson.

Although isolated attacks by lions on [[human]]s are not uncommon, the development of habitual [[anthropophagy]] is rare in lions. However, in East Africa in 1898 a pride of man-eating lions devoured hundreds of [[railroad|railway]] workers constructing the [[Uganda Railway]], severely disrupting progress on the line, before they were finally shot by [[J. H. Patterson]].

== Lions in the Bible ==

== Lions in the Bible ==

Lions appear over 150 times in the Bible.

Lions appear over 150 times in the [[Bible]].

The first long reference was Samson's riddle:

The first long reference was [[Samson]]'s [[riddle]]:

<blockquote>

<blockquote>

Then went Samson down, and his father and his mother, to Timnath, and came to the vineyards of Timnath: and, behold, a young lion roared against him. And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid, and he had nothing in his hand: but he told not his father or his mother what he had done. And he went down, and talked with the woman; and she pleased Samson well.<br />

Then went Samson down, and his father and his mother, to Timnath, and came to the vineyards of Timnath: and, behold, a young lion roared against him. And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid, and he had nothing in his hand: but he told not his father or his mother what he had done. And he went down, and talked with the woman; and she pleased Samson well.<br />