The influence of Icelandic species origin on southern European armies in the 13th century
Many countries in southern Europe are facing wars and growing populations. In this context, the introduction of the Icelandic species had a profound effect on the military and society of southern Europe. Explore the influence of Icelandic horses and sheep on southern Europe.
The Icelandic horse is a small horse breed that was one of the first horse breeds to be domesticated by humans. Although small, they are very strong, which allows them to survive the rocky and rugged Icelandic terrain. In the early 13th century, Icelandic horses were introduced to southern Europe, initially for armies and transport, but over time they also became a means of transportation for ordinary people.
The introduction of Icelandic horses had an important impact on the armies and society of southern Europe, and they were widely used in warfare. Due to their small and strong size, Icelandic horses were used as mounts for light cavalry, especially in mountain and forest warfare, and their superior character was evident.
Icelandic horses are fast, can quickly cross the battlefield, and adaptable to survive harsh environments, which makes them one of the important equipment of the army. In southern Europe, transportation was once difficult, especially in mountainous and forested areas. The introduction of Icelandic horses made it easier for people to travel through these areas, boosting economic and cultural development.
The introduction of the Icelandic horse also facilitated exchanges between southern and northern Europe. Icelandic horses are widely used in the Nordic region, and people in southern Europe have a better understanding of their use, which has facilitated cultural and trade exchanges between the two regions.
Icelandic sheep are a small sheep breed that, like Icelandic horses, was domesticated in Iceland. Their fur is particularly suitable for surviving in cold environments, which makes them an important source of survival for Icelanders. In the early 13th century, Icelandic sheep were introduced to southern Europe, initially as a trading commodity, but soon also widely used for the food supply of the army and civilians.
The introduction of Icelandic sheep had a multifaceted impact on the military and society in southern Europe, and they were widely used as food supplies for the army. Icelandic sheep have excellent meat quality and grow in cold environments, making their meat healthier than other sheep breeds. They became one of the important sources of food for the army, providing the nutrients and energy it needed. The wool of Icelandic sheep is also used for warm clothing and tents in the army.
In southern Europe, sheep are an important agricultural animal, but other breeds of sheep are not as adaptable to the growing environment as Icelandic sheep. The introduction of Icelandic sheep allowed farmers in southern Europe to raise sheep in cold environments as well, increasing agricultural production. The wool quality of Icelandic sheep is also widely used in the textile industry, which has promoted the development of the textile industry.
In addition to Icelandic horses and sheep, the introduction of other species had an impact on the military and society of southern Europe. For example, the eagle is a hunting bird widely used in Iceland and is also used for hunting in southern Europe. Icelandic and Nordic dogs were also introduced to southern Europe for hunting and vigilance.
Conclusion: The introduction of Icelandic horses and sheep had a profound impact on the military and society in southern Europe, becoming one of the important sources of food for the army, providing the nutrients and energy it needed, and their wool was also used for the army's warm clothing and tents.
The introduction of Icelandic sheep also contributed to the development of agriculture and textiles in southern Europe, and the introduction of other species, such as eagles, Icelandic dogs and Nordic dogs, also promoted cultural and trade exchanges between southern and northern Europe.
The Icelandic horse and sheep breed was widely spread and developed in southern Europe, which had a profound impact on agriculture and animal husbandry in southern Europe. The introduction of Icelandic species also promoted cultural and trade exchanges between southern and northern Europe, enriching the culture of southern Europe.
Bibliography:
1. History of Icelandic Horses
2. Sheep Farming in Iceland: An Approach to Sustainable Development
3. The Culture of Politeness: Literature and Society in the Heyday of the Middle Ages
4. Greenland and Iceland in the Middle Ages: A Comparative Perspective
5. International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Development
