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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2020; 10(12); 2294; doi: 10.3390/ani10122294

Different Approach to Horses-The Use of Equid Remains in the Early Middle Ages on the Example of Ostrów Tumski in Wroclaw.

Abstract: The following article concerns the functional use of horse bones in the early Middle Ages (mainly in the period from the mid of the 10th to the 12th/13th century). The authors try to explain how such remains were used and how common it was. It is also discussed whether the special role of the horse in medieval societies somehow restricted its post-mortem usage, or perhaps there was no difference between the skeletal remains of horses and other species in this regard. For this purpose, statistical calculations on the use of the bones of various mammals were made. Only the remains of the species determined during the archaeozoological analysis were taken into account. The specific use of individual parts of a horse skeleton was also noted. In addition, the analysis also encompasses all other types of horse remains that could be used by humans (hide, hair, etc.). The consumption of horse meat was discussed separately: on the basis of the preserved traces, an attempt was made to determine whether it had happened, and if so, how popular it had been. Overall, such comprehensive analysis aims to show the various roles of the horse. It was not only a mount, but also a beast of burden, a source of food and raw material as well. The main purpose of this study is to describe the role of horses in human medieval societies of Ostrów Tumski on the basis of accessible equid remains. The highlighting of the human-horse relationship in the past allows us to understand the importance and value of the horse both as a life companion and the source of food or leather and bone tools.
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Publication Date: 2020-12-04 PubMed ID: 33291605PubMed Central: PMC7761946DOI: 10.3390/ani10122294Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research paper explores the various functional uses of horse remains during the early Middle Ages, with a focus on a specific region (Ostrów Tumski in Wroclaw). It provides an extensive analysis of the role of horses in human medieval societies, including understanding horse consumption and its significance and value in these societies.

Approach and Methodology

  • The initial approach taken by the authors was to investigate horse remains from the Middle Ages, specifically from the 10th to the 12th/13th centuries.
  • The study used statistical calculations on the bones of different mammals, excluding non-determinable species. These calculations were performed to estimate the post-mortem use of horse remains compared to other species.
  • The authors also examined the specific uses of different parts of the horse skeleton. The focus was not limited to bones, but also included other types of horse remains such as hide and hair.

Horse Consumption

  • A separate discussion was presented on the consumption of horse meat during the Middle Ages. The authors examined preserved traces to determine if horse meat was eaten and the extent of its popularity.
  • This examination gave insights into the value placed on horses as a food source during this period.

Role of Horses

  • The research demonstrated the multiple roles that horses played in medieval societies. These ranged from being mounts, working as beasts of burden, to providing food and raw materials.
  • The study aimed to paint a comprehensive picture of the significance of horses in human societies of that era, highlighting the human-horse relationship.
  • Examining equid remains from the period provided the basis for better understanding the historical importance and value placed on horses both as life companions and sources of food or material for making leather and bone tools.

Study Significance

  • The study provides a detailed description and analysis of the role of horses in the human societies of the Middle Ages.
  • By examining horse remains and their post-mortem usage, this research allows for a broader understanding of medieval societies, particularly within the region of Ostrów Tumski in Wroclaw.
  • Ultimately, the research seeks to shine light on the complexity of the relationship between humans and horses in the past and provide deeper insights into our shared history.

Cite This Article

APA
Jaworski K, Pankiewicz A, Chrószcz A, Poradowski D. (2020). Different Approach to Horses-The Use of Equid Remains in the Early Middle Ages on the Example of Ostrów Tumski in Wroclaw. Animals (Basel), 10(12), 2294. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10122294

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 10
Issue: 12
PII: 2294

Researcher Affiliations

Jaworski, Krzysztof
  • Institute of Archaeology, University of Wroclaw, Szewska 48, 50-139 Wrocław, Poland.
Pankiewicz, Aleksandra
  • Institute of Archaeology, University of Wroclaw, Szewska 48, 50-139 Wrocław, Poland.
Chrószcz, Aleksander
  • Department of Biostructure and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kożuchowska 1/3, 51-631 Wrocław, Poland.
Poradowski, Dominik
  • Department of Biostructure and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kożuchowska 1/3, 51-631 Wrocław, Poland.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. Gudea A, Martonos C, Cosma C, Stan F. Morphological Characteristics of a Horse Discovered in an Avar-Period Grave from Sâncraiu de Mureș (Alba County, Romania). Animals (Basel) 2022 Feb 15;12(4).
    doi: 10.3390/ani12040478pubmed: 35203187google scholar: lookup
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