Analysis of Horse Bones from a Cellar of the 11th⸺12th Centuries near the Western Palace in Kyiv

Abstract

During archaeological excavations in the Upper Town in Kyiv in 2008, a cellar was discovered next to the Western Palace. Among other materials, there were animal bones, the absolute majority of which were horses’ bones. Based on the bones, it was calculated that the minimum number of individual horses was four. These bones belonged to kitchen remains, as they were fragmented and showed a large number of cutting marks on almost all anatomical parts of the horses. However, they were larger than those that are usually thrown away after cooking. Perhaps, in this case, we are dealing with horse carcasses that were stored as supplies after initial butchering, but never used. The presence of bones from non-meat parts of the body, such as the phalanges, indicates that the animals were slaughtered in the same place. According to the nature of the cut marks, they were probably made with an ax and a knife. Two of the horses were likely males. The sex of the other two could not be determined. Two individuals were five years old, one was 3—3.5 years old, and one was 15—18 months old. Breed characteristics were established only for one individual. The female belonged to medium-legged horses. In addition, the horse performed heavy physical work during life, which is indicated well-developed muscle attachments on the bones. It should be noted that by the 11th and 12th centuries, the practice of eating horse meat had stopped. There are several reasons for this. One of them is changing the role of the horse. At this time, the horse began to be actively used as a draft animal, particularly when cultivating the land, and as a riding animal. Another reason is the spread of Christianity, which prohibited eating horse meat, because it was associated with pre-Christian cults. This is evidenced by several references in the Chronicle. However, under unforeseen circumstances, such as famine during the siege of the city, the practice of eating horse meat could have been returned. It is likely that the horses, the bones of which were found in the cellar, were slaughtered and divided into fragments precisely under unfavourable circumstances for the residents of Kyiv.