Using advanced techniques such as isotope analysis, archaeologists have determined the possible origins of many elite horses discovered in a unique animal cemetery. These “supercars” of their time, due to their size and power, were carefully imported from all over Europe, especially to compete in dueling tournaments and as status symbols for the elite.
The cemetery was discovered near Elverton Street in Westminster during building work in the 1990s, and its location suggests a close connection with the royal palace complex and elite London society of the time.
“The chemical traces on the horses’ teeth are unlike anything found in the UK,” explains lead researcher Alex Prior of the University of Exeter. “This is direct evidence of a widespread horse-trading network in the Middle Ages, where members of the king and other elites scoured Europe for the best mounts.”
Researchers drilled and analyzed tooth enamel to determine horses’ ancestors. Surprisingly, at least half of the horses had different international origins; they probably came from Scandinavia, the Alps, and other parts of northern and eastern Europe. This corresponds to the practice of breeding horses in royal “studs”, where they lived until their third year of life and were then trained or sold.
Source: Ferra
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