Horse sacrifice was the central ritual at kurultai (great assembly) ceremonies. The number of horses was the measure of political power. The Chinese empires did everything they could to obtain quality horses from the Turks; the "silk-for-horses" exchange (Chinese silk = Türk horse) was the most specific transaction of the Silk Road.
Related civilizations
Frequently asked questions
- What was Göktürk Horse Culture — War, Sacrifice and Prestige?
- The Göktürk khaganate was a civilization built upon the horse: war horse, sacrificial horse, racing horse and pack horse formed four distinct categories.
- When did Göktürk Horse Culture — War, Sacrifice and Prestige happen?
- 552 CE
- Where did Göktürk Horse Culture — War, Sacrifice and Prestige take place?
- Moğolistan