A groundbreaking study published in Science Advances sheds new light on the origins of horses used in medieval England's iconic jousting tournaments. Conducted by researchers from the University of Exeter and the University of Leicester, the study examined horse remains unearthed in an open field near Buckingham Palace, revealing surprising insights into the European horse trading network of the time.
The research, led by archaeologist Oliver Creighton, focused on 70 horse skeletons discovered in burial pits just meters away from the medieval royal palace. These horses, characterized by their size and robustness, displayed skeletal features indicative of animals trained for heavy loads, likely knights in armor engaged in jousting.
Through sophisticated analysis of isotopes in the horses' teeth, the researchers traced their origins to regions as distant as Scandinavia and continental Europe, debunking previous assumptions about the predominantly local sourcing of medieval horses. Remarkably, some of the horses were found to have originated from northern Italy and Switzerland, suggesting a far-reaching horse trading network operating during the medieval period.
The findings challenge historical narratives and provide a nuanced understanding of medieval elite culture and its fascination with equestrian pursuits. By unraveling the mobility patterns of these horses throughout their lives, the study offers valuable insights into medieval trade routes and societal structures.
With further application of their techniques to horse remains across England, the researchers anticipate a deeper understanding of medieval life beyond the elite circles, illuminating the role of horses as essential modes of transportation in medieval society.
This research not only enriches our understanding of medieval England but also underscores the significance of interdisciplinary approaches in uncovering hidden aspects of history. As archaeologist Alexander Pryor notes, these findings pave the way for a more comprehensive understanding of medieval life and its reliance on equine companionship.
