Mediterranean Dragon

The Mediterranean Dragon is much like a Chinese or Asian dragon. However, it will never have wings and is more serpentine. As the name suggests they were found around the Mediterranean basin, but mainly in Italy and Greece. They vary in colour, although usually they are a dark green. Some say that their colours are those of their mother's eyes. These snake-like dragons can grow up to 180 feet, or 55 metres.
Unfortunately the Mediterranean dragons were nearly wiped out after the Phoenicians and Mycenaean Greeks began expanding their territories. In Greece they were wiped out completely by 1000 b.c.e., but not until 350 c.e. in the rest of the basin. When the Romans spread over the Mediterranean region they killed many dragons in attempt to protect their livestock and to remove a major threat to their growing empire.
Tales of these great beasts survived many millennia, and grew into ancient legends. Both the Romans and Greeks told of ancient serpents of a humungous size,that could eat many men whole. There are stories of how one dragon guarded the Golden Fleece, and another more well known one of the great Hydra. As one of his twelve tasks Heracles had to defeat the Hydra.
The Mediterranean Dragons usually ate livestock such as sheep and cattle which caused humans to develop a deep hatred for the dragons. They also ate deer and goats, which greatly affected the local farming industry. Because of this fear and hatred humans began killing the dragons and collecting various body parts. The teeth and scales were of particular value and could make a poor farmer's fortune should he sell one.
Unfortunately there is not much else known about this extinct species, but for more information, visit:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon
• http://www.alternatehistory.com/spiritualist/dracoeurope.htm