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Middle Ages The Middle Ages, marked by the fall of Rome, cover the period from 600 AD to 1450 AD. Development of the horse in Europe during the Middle Ages was characterized by the powerful war horses bred to carry knights (the destrier), and a smaller horse bred for a more comfortable ride (the palfrey). Trade routes between Europe and the Far East (India and China) were well established during the Parthian Era (100 BC - 100 AD). During the reign of Nasir, trade between Egypt and Venice, Italy thrived. Arabian horses were sent as gifts or otherwise made their way into Europe and were used to create the palfrey and other light breeds. The Middle Ages are well documented in Europe, but what was happening in Egypt and the Middle East during that same time? Click this link to read a short (5-page) history of Egypt from the Pharaohs to the present. An understanding of the cultural and political history of the area will give you a better understanding of the influences that guided the course of the Egyptian horse. During the Middle Ages and after, horses of great stamina and speed were being bred in the deserts of the Middle East. It was these horses that were sought in Europe and England to create a horse that could be used for rapid transport of messages and of course, racing. Breeders in the kingdom of Naples acquired horses from Arabia and bred them to European stock. The result was an extremely fast horse sought by kings from as far away as England who wanted to add speed to their stables. Most people are familiar with the three Oriental imports that were foundation sires of the Thoroughbreds.
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