The Potential for Horse Breeding in the Vicinity of Viminacium

Abstract

The presence of the Roman legion in Viminacium implied the existence of a cavalry unit in its structure. There is no evidence that equids needed by the army were supplied from large centers; rather, it is assumed that they were predominantly bought locally. One of the horse-breeding places could have been located north of the site of Rit – a residential-economic suburb of Viminacium, where these animals could have grazed the grounds all year long. This is suggested by the unusually high ratio of equid remains from this site, the suitability of the terrain, as well as written sources.