The Importance of the Horse and other large domesticated animals
"Big domestic mammals ...revolutionized human society by becoming our main
means of land transport until the development of railroads in the 19th century.
Before animal domestication, the sole means of transporting goods and people by
land was on the backs of humans. Large mammals changed that: for the first time
in human history, it became possible to move heavy goods in large quantities, as
well as people, rapidly overland for long distances...The most direct contribution
of animal domestication to wars of conquest was from Eurasia's horses, whose
military role made them the Jeeps and Sherman tanks of ancient warfare on that
continent." (Jared Diamond, Guns, Germs and Steel, p.91)
Do a research project focusing on the military advantages of peoples who used horses. You may
also include other large domesticated animals like elephants.
Consider the role of the horse for the Mongols in China
How they were used in the overthrow of the Inca and Aztec Empires
The importance of fast and effective transportation in campaigns
Research other armies of the 13th and 14th centuries and compare the military weapons and
technology that were employed in different regions of the world.
Create either a presentation or a written essay (minimum of 3 paragraphs) that explains the
importance of the horse in the expansion of empires and military conflict. Be sure to include
historical examples from your research.