How do horses, which have been an important part of human history for thousands of years, despite their free nature; When did it become intertwined with humans? We have told you the first examples showing that these creatures, with whom we have lived together for about 6 thousand years, were tamed.
Because of their intelligence, loyalty, and friendliness, horses have been considered one of man’s best friends in the animal kingdom for millennia. Although cats and dogs are the species we are most closely related to today, if we look at history as a whole, it does not seem wrong to call horses man’s best friend. So what’s the reason for this? When did this close relationship between horses and humans begin?
Throughout the history transport and farming There are many opinions about the period when horses, which were intertwined with humans due to many different areas, such as horses, were fully domesticated. If you wish, let’s take a look at when and how horses were first domesticated and what these animals have meant to humans throughout history.
When did horses first encounter humans?
The subject of horses’ first encounters with humans is quite interesting because of the place where horses first appeared. Because the horses North America, where humanity was absent from 13,000 to 33,000 years ago on the continent; They arose 35-56 million years ago is suggested. If the theory is correct, it means that some of the first humans to migrate to North America returned to Asia on horseback. However, according to another theory, horses originated in Asia with the first American passengers They reached North America via the Bering Strait. Whether horses originated in Asia or North America is still debated. But the Central Asian region plays a key role in our historical relationship with our maned friends.
When and for what purpose were horses first domesticated?
How did the horses come into existence, and how did they meet and mingle with humans? Did they say hello and start traveling together? Of course not. Like all animals with whom we are currently in close contact, time has passed for horses to be tamed. Mutual interests played a major role in the domestication of dogs and cats. In horses, on the other hand, more training has come to the fore. Where this training first took place It is thought to be Central Asian.
The earliest evidence we’ve found so far of horses living with humans; in present-day Kazakhstan found. 3700 BC to 3100 BC The finds, dated to between BC and BC, consisted mostly of horse bones. botai These bones found in the region were originally thought to belong to horses hunted only by humans. animals killed, their flesh was eaten and various tools were made from their bones..
But then these horses were ‘discovered’ by the people who lived here.to be ownedSome evidence emerged. in containers in the same area horse milk residues found. Horses were not only killed to be eaten, but also herded. This culture that developed in the region and its people were called ‘Botai’, which is the name of the region. Similar findings, though not so old, dating back thousands of years have also been found near Mongolia. For this reason, those who first domesticated the horse Indo-European peoples or ancient Central Asian peoples like Proto Turks or Proto Mongols? is still a matter of debate.
The spread of horses around the world and their importance in cultures:
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It was not long before the horses, which became widespread in the communities engaged in animal husbandry in Central Asia, began to be used as mounts in a short time. Realizing that horses are fast as well as loyal, people trained both horses to travel on horses; as well as saddle invented such inventions. Even The first trousers were also invented in this period for the purpose of riding comfortably.
Horses, which we rode as the first riding animals, spread in a short time for this purpose. Communities where horse riding is common, later on the Huns and Avars formed such societies. Armies developed with the horse at the center. The horse was no longer just a source of meat, milk and a means of transportation, but also a weapon.
These features of the horses noticed in different regions, in a short time Africa and to Europe spread so far. in mythologies used to symbolize speed, freedom and nobility. Taking the business to a level that can lead to world domination Mongol Empire He got his strength from horses. The first horse-drawn chariots were invented in Mesopotamia around 3000 BC. and these cars became indispensable in wars in Egypt. In European communities, where horses are not widely used in the military noblemen’s mount became known as
Today, people no longer need horses, and the sense of conscience that limits the use of animals has also changed. Horses are no longer used in wars or similar harsh conditions, but the friendship between humans and horses is not over. Emotional closeness and sensitive communication with the people who feed the horses, such as cats or dogs, still continues.