Horsepower: China, Mongolia and the steppe

Working at the intersection of science and social science, this project cuts across linguistic and cultural boundaries (Chinese, Mongolian, Russian and English). It combines cutting-edge scientific approaches to analyse ancient horse DNA, examine metallurgy and undertake radiocarbon dating of well-targeted archaeological sites that will develop novel theories on the nature of leadership, wealth and power in two major states of the period − the Xiongnu in Mongolia and the Qin in China.

The Xiongnu arose around 209 BC and set the model for mobile horse-borne states through to the rise of the Mongols 1400 years later. Meanwhile the Qin unified China from 221 BC, a period that represents the start of an era which introduced the style of bureaucratic Chinese state recognised today. The formation of both states was heavily influenced by their local historical forces, but they were also substantially affected by their interaction with each other. This intricate relationship of political, economic and culture exchange was arguably a prototype for the Silk Road which connected the whole of Eurasia. 

Horsepower will show how the movement of horses south into China from the steppe and the trade of Chinese metals to the north became a critical exchange that ultimately shaped and defined one of the earliest known forms of state entity.

The aims of this project are to:

• Apply advanced genetic analysis to ancient horse skeletons to explore patterns in the flow of horse trading, the extent of selective breeding to control horse numbers and characteristics that do not fossilise such as colour, speed and size.
• Undertake new scientific analysis of metal objects from the Mongolia steppe including horse gear and chariot fittings within the Museum collection to identify and quantify the degree of mixing and recycling in the life history of metals in past societies.
• Undertake archaeological excavation at a range of sites in Mongolia and China to understand the long-term history of the sacrificial economy of horses.
• Supplement its academic investigations with an innovative programme of public engagement, art and popular science content through blogs, podcasts as well as exhibitions at the British Museum.

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