Neigh-sayers! I’m Emma, your friendly grey mare from Hayfield near Aberdeen, back with another juicy piece of equine history! Today, we’re trotting back in time to a pivotal year, 73 AD. This time period saw exciting changes across the world, particularly for horses like myself!
This post marks a little milestone, too, as it’s my 73rd blog post on Equiworld.org - just imagine, nearly as old as the year I’m writing about!
Now, pull up a bale of hay, put on your comfy winter blanket, and let’s dive into the magnificent world of horses in 73 AD!
Roman Horses: The Kings of the Road
For a horse born in 73 AD, the Roman Empire was the big cheese, the centre of the world. They were everywhere! Their legions, the massive army that controlled most of Europe and the Middle East, needed horses for their war efforts, their food, and, most importantly, for transporting people and goods across their empire. They didn’t just rely on warhorses either – carts, chariots, and even heavy wagons pulling supplies were driven by sturdy and strong horses like me!
Now, you might think, “Oh, Emma, you probably hate those Roman horse folk, eh?" Well, you’d be surprised. I, for one, enjoyed the Roman’s ways. They had a passion for breeding powerful and strong horses like me! Those fellas knew what made a good draught horse, strong and steadfast. And what made my job easier? Well, those paved roads that were part of their brilliant “Roman Road System"! They were the first to properly lay down smooth, durable paths, perfect for hauling all that grain and carrying those soldiers from place to place. Those Romans - I’ll give them their due - they knew a thing or two about how to keep a horse happy!
They used a lot of different types of horses back then, though. Think stallions and mares like the Gallic Horse, renowned for their strong muscles, the Sorraian Horse, the super-speedy type favoured by Roman officers, and, of course, the noble and proud Lusitanian, a horse revered for its intelligence and strength – the stuff of legends! You could practically feel the spirit of a legendary steed when you were near one of them.
And imagine the scenes! You’d have hundreds of horses trotting in formation, like a river of shiny coats and thumping hooves. It was magnificent!
The Chariot Racing Craze
You see, the Roman Empire wasn’t just about legions, battles, and emperors! They also had a big old passion for entertainment – and what was a grander way to spend a few hours than at a chariot race? I could practically hear the roar of the crowd, the clang of metal on metal as the charioteers battled each other for victory. Those horses, trained from colts to be as quick as a lightning bolt, were real show-stoppers, their muscular bodies sleek and powerful, ready to spring from the starting gates. And those wheels, a blur as they sped across the racecourse, bringing a thundering joy to the spectators!
Now, my job wasn’t as glamorous, but the same spirit of competition and dedication held true in the hauling and pulling business! We needed to be quick and agile to keep the economy of the empire turning, so every good mare or stallion who wanted to earn his oats had to be nimble!
The Eastern Influences
Across the vastness of the world, you could find horses, horses, horses! Not just in the empire, but all the way out to places like Persia and India. It’s almost as if we were part of an unspoken language, one of power, freedom, and friendship!
73 AD saw something else very important in history: the mighty Parthian Empire was battling against the Romans – big battles, grand strategies! I was, of course, only a colt back then, but imagine seeing all those Parthian horses – sleek, graceful, powerful. They were something else! The Parthian shot, where they turned their horses, firing arrows back at their attackers while in retreat, was an absolute marvel. Their skills were astounding, their horses just as legendary, known for their speed and strength.
That year, there were also huge movements in the East – Buddhist emperors, empires of Persia - you can bet they used horses to travel and communicate and move their armies. They had to.
The Power of the Horse
Looking back, it’s pretty clear that we horses in 73 AD played a crucial part in connecting the world. Without us, it would have been hard, slow, and far less thrilling to get around. Every day, the horses of this world carried messages, supplies, armies, and of course, themselves to new adventures. Every journey brought fresh scents, new landscapes, and a world full of surprises for us to uncover. The world in 73 AD felt vast and wild, full of the whisper of adventures just waiting to be discovered!
*Don’t forget, my little neigh-sayers, every horse story is connected to the world’s story – so keep listening and sharing. We are the steeds of history! *
Let's Get Talking!
I'd love to hear your thoughts on the year 73 AD. Share your stories and discoveries about horse history! You can join the conversation in the comments section below, or post your own horse history posts on the Equiworld.org blog! I always have time to listen, especially when it comes to the wonders of our equine history!
P.S. Did you know that 73 AD was the year Emperor Vespasian died? Did that influence the Roman world of horses? Let’s ponder! And remember, always wear a comfortable saddle, and ride strong and true, my friends!
