Romans Brought Huge Horses to the Alps: A Look at History!
Find out how Roman horse breeding in Vienna shaped the region: larger animals, genetic diversity and logistical importance.

Romans Brought Huge Horses to the Alps: A Look at History!
Vienna becomes the setting for an exciting chapter in history: the Roman conquest of the northern foothills of the Alps brought with it not only military strategies, but also new variations in horse breeding. This is proven by current research that shows an interesting gap between Iron Age and Roman horse breeding. The results of a study that includes over 400 archaeological finds and genetic analyzes are a real eye-opener. Roman riders imported larger horses from various parts of the empire, including Hispania, Britain and Thrace, as local Germanic horses were considered too small for military use, as Die Presse reports.
The research group led by Elmira Mohandesan from the Konrad Lorenz Institute for Comparative Behavioral Research found that Roman horses were, on average, larger than their Iron Age predecessors. This could also be because the Romans bred and fed their horses better. However, genetic analysis did not provide clear evidence of a genetic basis for the size difference. Instead, improved husbandry, nutrition and targeted breeding practices appear to have been crucial. These findings are part of the study, which is supported by the FWF and the DFG, and they illustrate the influence of the Romans on local animal husbandry and breeding.
The role of equids in the Roman military
But the larger horses were not only important for agriculture. Even in the Roman military, our shorter regional variants were no longer an option. As [Byzanz Mainz](https://www.byzanz-mainz.de/forschung/projektdetails/forschungen-zur-rolle-von-equiden-im-roeischen-militaer- context) reports, domesticated equids such as horses and mules played various roles in the military: they served as riding and pack animals, could be used in combat operations and were Part of rituals and triumphal processions. Their influence extended to defining group identities and the social status of soldiers.
Scientists analyzed morphological studies and archaeological finds using over 40 samples from the late Iron and Roman ages. A key finding is that male horses were primarily used for military activities, while female animals were used for civilian tasks such as transport and breeding. Mules, which show no evidence of local breeding in the conquered areas, probably came from specialized breeding centers in Gallia Belgica or Italy. Their role in Roman logistics was also very important.
A look into the future of Vienna's architecture
The results of the research are not only of interest to historians and archaeologists, but could also provide incentives for modern architecture and planning in Vienna. The discovery that local agriculture and infrastructure were transformed by Roman influence helps paint a picture of the city's living history and provide new perspectives. It remains exciting to see how this research will influence our view of the history and development of Vienna.