Since ancient times people have practiced the art of physiognomy or reading character from physical features. The Ancient Greek compared the human face to the faces of various animals and birds such as the eagle and the horse. They believed people shared certain character traits with the animals they resembled. A person with an equine or horselike face was thought to be loyal brave and stern. A person with an aquiline or eagle like nose was believed to be bold and courageous as well as arrogant and self-centered