Bigger horses, new practices
The Roman conquest of the northern Alpine foothills in 15 BC marked a turning point in the regional history. Alongside political and cultural shifts, the Romans also brought new animals and breeding strategies. Scientists morphologically analysed samples from over 40 ancient horses from the late Iron Age and Roman period. They found that Roman horses were on average significantly larger than their Iron Age predecessors. Historical sources report that the Romans considered the small horses of the local Germanic tribes unsuitable for use in the cavalry and therefore imported larger animals.
Interestingly, the study could not identify a genetic basis for the larger stature of Roman horses. This suggests that other factors such as improved nutrition, husbandry or targeted breeding practices may have played a role. “The Romans not only imported animals but also brought their expertise in breeding and husbandry,” explains study leader Elmira Mohandesan (KLIVV, Vetmeduni).
Genetic diversity through importation
The data reveal that the Romans introduced horses from across their empire, from regions as far as Hispania, Britannia, and Thracia. This influx boosted genetic diversity in the Alpine region. Historical texts and genetic evidence also confirm a clear distinction in use: male horses were primarily employed for military purposes, while female horses served in civilian roles such as breeding and transport.
Mules: Indispensable, but not local
Mules- the hardy offspring of horses and donkeys -were indispensable for Roman logistics, carrying goods and military supplies. Yet the study found no signs of local mule breeding north of the Alps. Instead, mules were likely imported from specialized breeding centres in provinces such as Gallia Belgica or south in Italy. “This highlights the scale and efficiency of the Roman trade and logistics network,” notes Mohandesan.
A legacy of Cultural and technological exchange
The study results illustrate how profound the influence of the Romans was on animal husbandry and breeding in the conquered territories. The Roman army not only brought new horse breeds to the region, but also advanced breeding methods and knowledge of animal husbandry. This led to lasting changes in local agriculture and infrastructure.
“The Roman period was an era of cultural and technological exchange, in which animals played a central role,” says Mohandesan. “By combining modern genetics with archaeology, we can bring these histories to life and better understand how people and animals shaped each other’s worlds.”
The article “Late Iron Age and Roman equine breeding north of the Alps: Genetic insights and cultural implications” by Muhammad Bilal Sharif, Azadeh Fatemeh Mohaseb, Ludovic Orlando, Konstantina Saliari, Günther Karl Kunst, Sigrid Czeika, Marjan Mashkour, Thomas Cucchi, Joris Peters, Simon Trixl und Elmira Mohandesan was published in iScience .
Scientific contact:
Elmira Mohandesan PhD.
Konrad-Lorenz-Institut für Vergleichende Verhaltensforschung (KLIVV)
Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien (Vetmeduni)
Elmira.Mohandesan@vetmeduni.ac.at