Work Packages   

We will undertake an unprecedented characterization of the horse diversity through space and time using the latest advances in ancient DNA and genomic, metagenomic and epigenomic data to reveal (i) the history of changes that contributed towards the makeup of modern horses, (ii) the characters that were preferentially selected in different past societies, (iii) the nature of husbandry strategies developed in various contexts, and (iv) how these affected the horse’ diet, genetic potential, physiology, and stress exposure. We have structured our research into 3 main work packages (WP), mostly reflecting key historical periods:

​

• WP1: Refining the early stages of domestication

  • WP1a: Characterising the geographic structure of horse populations prior to domestication.

  • WP1b: Evaluating the biological impact of early domestication.

  • WP1c: Evaluating Iberia as a second domestication centre.

​

• WP2: Evaluating how equestrian technologies transformed the horse

  • WP2a: The advent of spoke-wheeled chariots.

  • WP2b: The rise of heavy cavalry in South-West Asia.

​

• WP3: Evaluating the nature and impact of different management strategies

  • WP3a: In the Greco-Roman and late Antiquity.

  • WP3b: In Medieval England.

  • WP3c: In modern times: the makeup of modern breeds.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​