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

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