Medieval Horse Stable; The Results of Multi Proxy Interdisciplinary Research

0438183 - GLÚ 2015 RIV US eng J - Journal Article
Dejmal, M. - Lisá, Lenka - Nývltová Fišáková, Miriam - Bajer, A. - Petr, Libor - Kočár, P. - Kočárová, R. - Nejman, L. - Rybníček, M. - Sůvová, Z. - Culp, R. - Vavrčík, H.
Medieval Horse Stable; The Results of Multi Proxy Interdisciplinary Research.
PLoS ONE. Roč. 9, č. 3 (2014). ISSN 1932-6203. E-ISSN 1932-6203
R&D Projects: GA ČR(CZ) GAP405/11/1729
Institutional support: RVO:67985831 ; RVO:68081758
Keywords : carbon isotopes * tail-hair * diet * sediments * turnover * Iceland * England * houses
Subject RIV: AC - Archeology, Anthropology, Ethnology
Impact factor: 3.234, year: 2014

A multi proxy approach was applied in the reconstruction of the architecture of Medieval horse stable architecture, the maintenance practices associated with that structure as well as horse alimentation at the beginning of 13th century in Central Europe. Finally, an interpretation of the local vegetation structure along Morava River, Czech Republic is presented. The investigated stable experienced two construction phases. The infill was well preserved and its composition reflects maintenance practices. The uppermost part of the infill was composed of fresh stabling, which accumulated within a few months at the end of summer. Horses from different backgrounds were kept in the stable and this is reflected in the results of isotope analyses. Horses were fed meadow grasses as well as woody vegetation, millet, oat, and less commonly hemp, wheat and rye. Three possible explanations of stable usage are suggested. The stable was probably used on a temporary basis for horses of workers employed at the castle, courier horses and horses used in battle.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0241648