Tracing the Discovery of the World’s Oldest Leather Saddle
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Chapter 1: Unearthing the Ancient Artifact
Recent excavations by Chinese archaeologists at a burial site have led to a remarkable discovery: an ancient leather saddle. This artifact has been dated to over 2,700 years old, possibly making it the earliest known equestrian item globally.
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Section 1.1: The Archaeological Find
The Swiss researchers from the University of Zurich were exploring a necropolis in northwestern China when they stumbled upon the well-preserved saddle. Through radiocarbon dating, they determined that this remarkable find dates back to between 700 BC and 400 BC, suggesting it could be a groundbreaking milestone in equestrian history.
The tomb was located in Yanghai, Xinjiang, and the researchers shared their findings in the journal Archaeological Research in Asia. The saddle was constructed from two padded sections sewn together, filled with a mixture of straw, deer, and camel hair, all covered with cowhide. Researchers speculate that this discovery may predate known Scythian riding equipment, as the Scythians were nomadic people renowned for their horsemanship, living in the regions between the Altai Mountains and modern Ukraine.
Section 1.2: Insights into Equestrianism
Archaeological evidence indicates that the oldest Scythian saddles date back to between the 5th and 3rd centuries BC, with the earliest examples found in the Altai Mountains and eastern Kazakhstan. This region is also believed to be where horses were first domesticated around 6,500 years ago during the Botai culture. The recent find could significantly alter our understanding of the history of horseback riding.
“The saddle found in Yanghai could represent the earliest known saddle,” stated Patrick Wertmann, a Zurich archaeologist and lead author of the study. The researchers propose that the artifact belonged to the Subeixi culture, who inhabited what is now Turfan city roughly 3,000 years ago.
This video showcases the discovery of the 2,700-year-old leather saddle found in a woman's tomb in China, highlighting its significance in equestrian history.
Chapter 2: Women in Ancient Equestrian Culture
The status of women in ancient China and their involvement in horseback riding is a topic of great interest. While it remains unclear when saddles resembling modern designs were first created, researchers believe that the technology may have emerged from Central Asian horsemen around 3,000 years ago. This places the Yanghai saddle among the oldest of its kind.
“The evolution of saddle-making emerged as riders prioritized their comfort, safety, and the well-being of their horses,” Wertmann noted.
The saddle from the tomb likely allowed for better stability and facilitated techniques useful in archery. Although the identity of the buried woman remains unknown, the artifacts found in her tomb suggest she was a prominent horsewoman, perhaps even a warrior. This indicates that women in the Subeixi culture may have enjoyed similar rights and responsibilities as men.
Until now, it was widely believed that horseback riding in ancient China was predominantly a male activity. Previous excavations have uncovered weapons, clothing, and other riding gear similar to that used by the Scythians, challenging long-held assumptions.
This video explores the design and historical significance of the 1857 Mac Saddle, illustrating the evolution of saddle technology over the centuries.
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