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Isotopic biographies reveal horse rearing and trading networks in medieval London.

ABSTRACT: This paper reports a high-resolution isotopic study of medieval horse mobility, revealing their origins and in-life mobility both regionally and internationally. The animals were found in an unusual horse cemetery site found within the City of Westminster, London, England. Enamel strontium, oxygen, and carbon isotope analysis of 15 individuals provides information about likely place of birth, diet, and mobility during the first approximately 5 years of life. Results show that at least seven horses originated outside of Britain in relatively cold climates, potentially in Scandinavia or the Western Alps. Ancient DNA sexing data indicate no consistent sex-specific mobility patterning, although three of the five females came from exceptionally highly radiogenic regions. Another female with low mobility is suggested to be a sedentary broodmare. Our results provide direct and unprecedented evidence for a variety of horse movement and trading practices in the Middle Ages and highlight the importance of international trade in securing high-quality horses for medieval London elites.

SUBMITTER: Pryor AJE

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10959406 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Isotopic biographies reveal horse rearing and trading networks in medieval London.

Pryor Alexander J E AJE Ameen Carly C Liddiard Robert R Baker Gary G Kanne Katherine S KS Milton J Andy JA Standish Christopher D CD Hambach Bastian B Orlando Ludovic L Chauvey Lorelei L Schiavinato Stephanie S Calvière-Tonasso Laure L Tressières Gaetan G Wagner Stefanie S Southon John J Shapiro Beth B Pipe Alan A Creighton Oliver H OH Outram Alan K AK

Science advances 20240322 12

This paper reports a high-resolution isotopic study of medieval horse mobility, revealing their origins and in-life mobility both regionally and internationally. The animals were found in an unusual horse cemetery site found within the City of Westminster, London, England. Enamel strontium, oxygen, and carbon isotope analysis of 15 individuals provides information about likely place of birth, diet, and mobility during the first approximately 5 years of life. Results show that at least seven hors ...[more]

PMID: 38517967

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Isotopic biographies reveal horse rearing and trading networks in medieval London.

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Isotopic biographies reveal horse rearing and trading networks in medieval London.

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