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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2022; 12(4); 478; doi: 10.3390/ani12040478

Morphological Characteristics of a Horse Discovered in an Avar-Period Grave from Sâncraiu de Mureș (Alba County, Romania).

Abstract: Archeozoological studies provide an insight into human-environment relations, bringing important information on the morphology of the animal and the role of the animal and its functions. The purpose of this study was to reveal the morphological characteristics of the horse identified in an 8th century BC Avar cemetery dated, as it resulted from the investigation carried out on the materials presented to the Anatomy Lab of Department of Comparative Anatomy. The cleaning and conditioning of the materials were performed in the lab, followed by anatomical and osteometrical study. The identification of the species, the osteometrical interpretation and the assessment of age at death constituted the basis of the main conclusions. Based on the morphological and metrical data, we concluded that the fragments originated from a single young horse individual () no older than 2.5 (2-2.5 years age span) included into class 5 of height (Vitt scale) with slender extremities. An overview of the available data (horse morphology) from similar sites in Romania and neighboring territories (Hungary and Croatia) is presented, with the intention of a general framing for the characteristics of the horses used by the Avar populations.
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Publication Date: 2022-02-15 PubMed ID: 35203187PubMed Central: PMC8868351DOI: 10.3390/ani12040478Google 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.

The research article focuses on studying morphological features of a horse discovered at an Avar-period grave site in Romania dating back to the 8th century BC.

Research Objectives

  • The study aimed at understanding the morphological characteristics of the horse found in an 8th century BC Avar cemetery. The goal was to provide insights into the relationship between humans and their environment at that time, particularly in the context of animal roles and functions.
  • The research was based on an examination of materials presented to the Anatomy Lab of the Department of Comparative Anatomy,

Methodology Disclosure

  • The materials for the study were cleaned and conditioned in a specialized lab, followed by an anatomical and osteometrical study. The researchers identified the species, interpreted the osteometrical data, and also estimated the horse’s age at its time of death. All of these steps helped to inform the main conclusions of the study.

Research Findings

  • Based on the morphological and metrical data collected, it was determined that the remains originated from a single young horse, no older than 2.5 years of age. It fell into the class 5 of height according to the Vitt scale, characterized by slender extremities.

Comparative Analysis

  • The article also presents a comparison of available data on horse morphology from similar sites in Romania, Hungary, and Croatia. This was done to provide a general understanding of the features of horses used by the Avar populations during the period in question.

The results from this study provide useful context for understanding the role and status of horses within Avar society. This information can be valuable for broader studies on human-animal relationships and the influence of societal structures on animal uses and treatments.

Cite This Article

APA
Gudea A, Martonos C, Cosma C, Stan F. (2022). Morphological Characteristics of a Horse Discovered in an Avar-Period Grave from Sâncraiu de Mureș (Alba County, Romania). Animals (Basel), 12(4), 478. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12040478

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 12
Issue: 4
PII: 478

Researcher Affiliations

Gudea, Alexandru
  • Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 3-5 Manastrur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Martonos, Cristian
  • Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 3-5 Manastrur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Cosma, Călin
  • Institute of Archaeology and Art History Cluj-Napoca, 12-14 M. Kogalniceanu Street, 400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Stan, Florin
  • Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 3-5 Manastrur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

Grant Funding

  • PFE-14 (ID 546) / Ministerul Cercetu0103rii u0219i Inovu0103rii

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 2 times.
  1. Gudea A, Stan FG, Irimie A, Mârza S, Martonos CO, Gal A. A Paleopathological Find on a La Tène Horse Skeleton Discovered in Rescue Archaeological Diggings in the Area of the Olympic Pool, Alba Iulia (CX 143 Pit). Animals (Basel) 2024 Jun 13;14(12).
    doi: 10.3390/ani14121775pubmed: 38929394google scholar: lookup
  2. Gudea AI, Bârcă V, Irimie A, Martonos CO, Socaciu A. La Tène Horse Remains from Alba Iulia CX 143 Complex: A Whole Story to Tell. Animals (Basel) 2024 May 30;14(11).
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