Herding Grounds

Animal husbandry was important in the Hellenic world, as both manufacturing and trade increased. Animals such as goats and sheep were the most common livestock, but cattle were reared where resources and land would permit. Cattle were prized not simply for their meat, but as beasts of burden and for their hides. In contrast, horses were highly valued as mounts and their breeding was limited to the nobility and wealthy landowners that could afford to set aside land. Thessaly, with its ample plains, was well regarded for its horses; Thessalian cavalry had a proven reputation in Alexander the Great's army.