SoA Forums

History => Ancient and Medieval History => Topic started by: LawrenceG on October 25, 2021, 10:15:42 AM

Title: Origin of modern horses
Post by: LawrenceG on October 25, 2021, 10:15:42 AM
Quite interesting:  https://www.science.org/content/article/ancient-dna-reveals-long-sought-homeland-modern-horses
Title: Re: Origin of modern horses
Post by: Duncan Head on October 25, 2021, 12:15:41 PM
It is, thanks for the find.
Title: Re: Origin of modern horses
Post by: Jim Webster on October 25, 2021, 12:51:50 PM
Yes interesting
Title: Re: Origin of modern horses
Post by: DBS on October 26, 2021, 08:46:29 AM
That article led to this one: don't know if it has been posted before, but better twice than not at all...

https://www.science.org/content/article/ancient-dna-reveals-bronze-age-bias-male-horses (https://www.science.org/content/article/ancient-dna-reveals-bronze-age-bias-male-horses)
Title: Re: Origin of modern horses
Post by: Imperial Dave on October 26, 2021, 09:06:27 AM
fascinating study
Title: Re: Origin of modern horses
Post by: Ian61 on October 26, 2021, 05:42:06 PM
That is an interesting article, especially the bit about the genetics, concluding that,
"The researchers suggest the new horse was calmer and less likely to have back problems, traits that would have made it easier to train and ride into battle." 
I can imagine that a horse with back problems would not be good to ride!
There are also studies about how horse colours have changed through history (it seems mostly for cosmetic reasons). I did a bit of research prior to painting up my Numidian cavalry but I have to admit that I don't like dealing with spots so most are still fairly solid colours.