Horse in social, political and religious lives of Iron-Age Anatolian civilizations

Horse in Social, Political and Religious Lives of Iron-Age Anatolian Civilizations The aim of this study entitled "Horse in Social, Political and Religious Lives of Iron-Age Anatolian Civilizations" is to investigate the horse-human relationship, and the position of horses in the social, political and religious life in Iron-Age Anatolia, as well as to explore the concept throughout historical periods in light of osteological findings, physical cultural remains and epigraphic data, thereby to contribute to the Anatolian cultural history. The fact that an extensive analysis of horses specifically in Anatolia is missing demonstrates the importance and necessity of this study. Horse-related data from excavations and research carried out by independent groups from distinct disciplines were compiled and reviewed for the study. In this context, the subject was addressed with a multidisciplinary structure, integrative point of view and chronological narrative. All materials presented in the study were gathered by reviewing the literature. Published archeological materials housed in museums, smuggled, bought or seized were included in the study. Additionally, Anatolian written sources and Mesopotamian sources on Anatolia were investigated together with archeological data in order to establish connections between cultures. Chronologically, this thesis consists of two main parts. The first part is subdivided into two as Prehistoric and Bronze Age Periods. In the scope of Bronze Age, horse-related findings dating to the Anatolian Bronze Age were compiled and reviewed. Detailed analysis of Bronze Age records is crucial for better understanding the transition and progress that took place during the Iron Age. In the second part of the thesis, findings from the Iron Age were given in subheadings for each civilization located within the study region. As such, five subheadings were used dedicated to Urartu, New Hittite City States, Phrygia, Lydia and other Western Anatolia centers. In this context, two main catalogs were prepared that involved physical remains (bridles, horse harnesses and decorative materials) and art pieces that constitute the iconographic data (stone carvings, statues, baked clay figurines, ceramics, wall paintings, etc.). The literature related to the catalogs is comprised of publications on these records or their analogues. Osteological data were also discussed in distinct headings. The study period covered 1.000 – 500 BC. cavalries have begun to appear on decorative materials and war-related written records as early as 9th century BC. This important horse-related alteration in the lives of Early Iron Age societies is demonstrated by variation and increase in horse harnesses, and widespread use of iron bridles. This phenomenon is also a major indicator of coincident transition and technical advancement in the use of iron ore. These innovations and alterations related to the use of horses by individuals and communities were pivotal for determining the study period. Thorough analysis of the early data studied in the thesis has led to novel findings related to the status of horse and the emergence of early cavalries in Iron-Age Anatolian civilizations. Furthermore, this thesis, accompanied with the two comprehensive catalogs prepared, will serve as an elementary reference to future studies in related subjects.