Different Approach to Horses-The Use of Equid Remains in the Early Middle Ages on the Example of Ostrów Tumski in Wroclaw.
Authors: Jaworski Krzysztof, Pankiewicz Aleksandra, Chrószcz Aleksander, Poradowski Dominik
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary Medieval societies utilised horse remains far more extensively than romantic notions of horsemanship might suggest, with archaeozoological analysis of 10th–13th century deposits from Ostrów Tumski in Wrocław revealing that equid skeletal material was processed and repurposed alongside other mammalian species for tools, implements, and raw materials. Through systematic statistical comparison of bone usage patterns across multiple species and detailed examination of individual skeletal elements, the researchers documented not merely riding and draught functions, but deliberate butchering practices, hide working, and extraction of bone and antler for craftwork. Horse meat consumption was evidenced by characteristic butchering marks, though frequency data suggest this was less routine than with cattle or pigs, indicating that cultural status may have moderated—but did not prevent—consumption of equine flesh. The comprehensive assessment of horse utility, encompassing food waste patterns, worked bone artefacts, and evidence of hide processing, demonstrates that medieval communities viewed the horse as a multifunctional resource animal whose post-mortem value rivalled that of economically essential livestock. For modern practitioners, this archaeological perspective underscores the horse's historical significance beyond performance metrics, contextualising current understanding of equine husbandry within a continuum of human-animal relationships spanning over a millennium.
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Practical Takeaways
- •This historical perspective on horse utility demonstrates the species' value extended beyond riding and working roles, informing modern understanding of human-equine relationships across societies
- •Archaeological evidence of systematic horse bone processing provides context for interpreting skeletal morphology and pathology in modern equine practice
- •Recognition of horses as multi-purpose animals in medieval societies reinforces the importance of understanding equine biomechanics, nutrition, and health for maximizing longevity and functionality
Key Findings
- •Horse remains in early medieval Ostrów Tumski were used for multiple purposes including food, raw materials, and tools, not restricted by the animal's special social role
- •Statistical analysis of archaeozoological data showed horses were utilized similarly to other mammalian species for skeletal material extraction and processing
- •Evidence of horse meat consumption was identified through butchering marks, indicating horses served as a food source despite their status as mounts and beasts of burden
- •Comprehensive analysis revealed horses provided diverse resources including hide, hair, bone, and leather in addition to their roles in transportation and labor