Galloping through time: how horses shaped history
Horses have been an important part of human history since time immemorial. Read on to find out more.
Image: Friedland by Ernest Meissonier depicts horses being used during the Napoleonic Wars | Public Domain
Horses have galloped through the pages of history, shaping societies in ways few other animals could. From the battlefields to bustling trade routes and early modes of transportation, their influence is undeniable.
In this article, we’ll explore the extraordinary bond between humans and horses, uncovering how these majestic animals have left an indelible mark on culture, society, and history itself.
Discovery and domestication of horses
Horses, as we know them today, are classified as Equus ferus caballus, derived from the Equius ferus. It is thought that humans domesticated horses between 4000 and 3500 BC. However, evidence of horses was found as far back as 30,000 BC within Paleolithic cave art.
The domestication of horses took place in the Eurasian Steppes, the modern era Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and southern Russia. This initial domestication was likely for riding, agriculture, transportation, and for use as traction animals. There is also evidence that fermented mare’s milk was used for consumption within the Botai culture.
It didn’t take long for horse domestication to spread, thanks to their reliability, adaptability, and utility. The spread began across Eurasia and followed into China, India, and Europe.
Horse domestication was a pivotal moment in human history, signalling a turning point for the likes of transportation, trade, mobility, warfare, and even social standing.
As domestication spread, so too did selective breeding. This led to horse breeds that were well suited for certain tasks, such as agile breeds for speed and precision, and heavier breeds for farming work.
Warfare, the military, and horses
Horses have been a significant part of warfare throughout human history. The earliest civilisations – such as the Mesopotamians and Egyptians – revolutionised warfare by having horses pull chariots.
Soldiers mounted on horses would become known as cavalry, and they allowed armies to travel much more quickly and include flexible strategies in their combat.
The Mongolian Empire utilised horses significantly during the 13th century, with the rise of the infamous Mongol leader Genghis Khan. It was thanks to the Mongolian archers on horseback that Khan conquered so much land at incredible speed. This would not have been possible if it wasn’t for their horses, which had been bred specifically for use in battle. They were strong, fast, durable, and courageous in a fight, making for an invaluable battle companion.
Horses were also invaluable in medieval Europe. Knights of the time relied on their steeds to navigate them during battle, but they also became a symbol of chivalry and the feudal order. Horses were so well respected that they began being treated like family members rather than tools.
Work and horses
Horses were also renowned for their abilities when it came to work before the industrial era, such as in agriculture or for transportation. Their strength allowed them to pull wagons or ploughs, which increased farm productivity. This also helped with trade as they would be used to transport goods.
A wide range of farming equipment relied on horsepower during this period, such as certain gins, water pumps, and mills, to name a few.
Horses and the industrial era
The need for horses dwindled with the invention of the internal combustion engine and the steam locomotive. Transportation became mechanised, as were various other industries that once depended on horsepower.
Although horses did play a major role in the First World War, this was the last time that they did so, due to the rise of heavy artillery and military vehicles.
Horses in the modern era
Horses are still used for sport and recreation to this day. Equestrian sports – such as dressage, racing, and showjumping – remain popular and regularly feature in the summer Olympics. Horses are also often valued for their companionship and kept as pets.
Despite the importance of the horse in history from a practical perspective, it isn’t only modern-day civilisation that regarded them as companions. One noteworthy example is Incitatus, the favourite horse companion of Caligula, emperor of Rome from 37 to 41 AD.
A legend spread that Caligula loved Incitatus so much that he wanted him to become a consul, though some ancient sources deny this. However, there is evidence that suggests that Incitatus was doted upon so much that he had many servants, wore a harness decorated with rare jewels, and was housed in a marble stable.
Although Caligula might have been a bit extravagant, it goes to show that companionship has likely always been a factor in the horse’s necessity to humankind. Horses have always held a special place in the hearts of humans, and they will continue to do so thanks to their loyalty and love.
