Early Iron Age horse exploitation in Thrace (Bulgaria) inferred from dental attrition and vertebral pathology

Key Points

• Dental attrition indicates the wear patterns consistent with exploitation of horses for labor and riding, highlighting their roles in ancient societies.
• Key evidence shows that dental wear was significantly observed among early Iron Age horses in Thrace, reflecting their usage for various tasks.
• Observational analysis used dental attrition and vertebral pathology to uncover insights into the lives and uses of horses during the Early Iron Age in Bulgaria.
• Further palaeopathological studies are essential, emphasizing the need for deeper understanding of horse management practices in historical contexts.