Hello my lovely readers,
It’s Emma here, a grey draught mare from Hayfield near Aberdeen, with a passion for the history of horses! As I’m sure you know, I love delving back into the lives of our equine ancestors and learning about what life was like for them in different times. This month, we’re taking a trip back to 14AD - a year filled with sunshine, delicious hay, and exciting news in the horse world.
It’s a bright, crisp morning in Hayfield, the heather is just starting to bloom on the hillsides, and the air is filled with the cheerful sound of larks. I’m feeling quite frisky myself, as my foal, a beautiful chestnut filly named Willow, has just started to learn how to walk. It’s quite the experience watching her stumble about, testing her legs with tentative steps. She’s a curious little thing, always nosing around and trying to play with the other foals, and she makes me smile with her mischievous grin and joyful whinnies.
Now, let’s get back to 14AD. While my little Willow is just starting to explore the world, back then, things were a bit different. Horses were playing a huge role in Roman society, even more than they do now!
You see, the Romans had developed this thing called “chariot racing”, and it was all the rage. Imagine huge crowds gathered in vast stadiums, their eyes glued to the powerful stallions and mares racing across the sand, their wheels kicking up dust as they whipped around the curves. They called these stadiums “hippodromes” – sounds pretty fancy, doesn’t it?
This chariot racing wasn’t just a sport though, it was a massive cultural event. They bet huge amounts of money on the outcome, just like we bet on the races now! And everyone, from emperors to merchants, from noblemen to farmers, all had a bet. And the chariot drivers? Oh, they were absolute stars! Imagine being the favourite rider of a powerful, sleek chariot horse, with all eyes on you, every movement a piece of history. I wouldn't mind trying that, I must confess!
But it wasn’t all about racing. In fact, horses were used in just about every part of Roman life, and that’s pretty impressive if you think about it!
They transported goods all over their vast empire, from foodstuffs to building materials. And you can’t imagine the Roman army without them. Horses were a vital part of their legions, carrying soldiers into battle and allowing them to move rapidly, surprising enemies and gaining tactical advantages.
Now, don’t imagine they just used any old horse for these jobs. You’ve got to admire those Romans. They had a proper appreciation for a well-trained horse, just like us! They knew their breeds. They favoured powerful draught horses like myself for pulling carts and plows, nimble war horses for carrying cavalrymen, and sleek thoroughbreds for racing.
It wasn’t all racing and battles, though. In the countryside, they used horses to cultivate land, working the soil to grow the food they needed to sustain themselves and their empire. That’s an important job! Can you imagine our world without a delicious, warm loaf of bread? Thank goodness for the horses who pulled those plows, helping us enjoy a lovely, nourishing dinner!
In fact, just like me now, horses of 14AD were seen as more than just working animals; they were a vital part of daily life. They were also a symbol of wealth, power and prestige, with magnificent stables built for their comfort, and they even had their own special shoes crafted to protect their hooves. They really knew how to take care of horses back then!
Speaking of stables, you won't believe the amazing discovery they found this year! There's a site in southern England, called Colchester, where they unearthed the ruins of a large Roman fort. Now, that wouldn't be too extraordinary in itself, but wait for this… nestled within the ruins were stables! And these stables were enormous, with the remains of several beautiful horses, indicating they had once housed an entire squadron of cavalry! How exciting is that!
It just goes to show you how deeply horses were integrated into life back in 14AD, how important they were, and how much love and care was given to these majestic animals. Even though the Romans were great builders and strong soldiers, they recognised that nothing could compare to the power, agility and intelligence of a fine horse. And honestly, who could disagree with them!
The year 14AD marks an important moment in the long and rich history of horses, showcasing the way they were intertwined with every facet of Roman life. We’ve had some truly remarkable horses before us, proving time and time again their value and versatility.
I can't wait to explore more about horses through history and learn more about their remarkable journey, right alongside you.
Until next time, keep your hooves on the ground and your eyes open for a horse!
Yours,
Emma
