This paper reports a high-resolution isotopic study of medieval horse mobility, revealing their origins and in-life mobility both regionally and internationally. The animals were found in an unusual horse cemetery site found within the City of Westminster, London, England. Enamel strontium, oxygen, and carbon isotope analysis of 15 individuals provides information about likely place of birth, diet, and mobility during the first approximately 5 years of life. Results show that at least seven horses originated outside of Britain in relatively cold climates, potentially in Scandinavia or the Western Alps. Ancient DNA sexing data indicate no consistent sex-specific mobility patterning, although three of the five females came from exceptionally highly radiogenic regions. Another female with low mobility is suggested to be a sedentary broodmare. Our results provide direct and unprecedented evidence for a variety of horse movement and trading practices in the Middle Ages and highlight the importance of international trade in securing high-quality horses for medieval London elites.

中文翻译：

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同位素传记揭示了中世纪伦敦的马匹饲养和贸易网络


本文报告了对中世纪马的流动性的高分辨率同位素研究，揭示了它们在区域和国际范围内的起源和生活中的流动性。这些动物是在英国伦敦威斯敏斯特市一处不寻常的马墓地发现的。对 15 名个体的牙釉质锶、氧和碳同位素分析提供了有关可能的出生地、饮食和生命最初大约 5 年期间活动的信息。结果显示，至少有七匹马起源于英国以外气候相对寒冷的地区，可能是斯堪的纳维亚半岛或西阿尔卑斯山。尽管五名女性中的三名来自放射性异常高的地区，但古代 DNA 性别鉴定数据表明没有一致的性别特异性流动模式。另一种活动能力低的雌性被认为是久坐的母马。我们的研究结果为中世纪各种马匹流动和贸易实践提供了直接且前所未有的证据，并强调了国际贸易对于为中世纪伦敦精英确保高质量马匹的重要性。