Horse

The horse was unknown in early history. It is represented for the first time on monuments of the XVIIIth Dynasty, and may po ibly therefore have been introduced by the Hyksos invaders who preceded this dynasty. In any case they were an Asiatic importation. They were rarely used for riding, if we judge from the fact that no single representation of an Egyptian on horseback has been found. But one or two texts speak of men on horseback. They were used in large numbers for war chariots, and one papyrus speaks of their being used for ploughing. Appointments in the royal stables were important posts, carrying with them many duties. Ramses II. had two favourite horses, whose names have been recorded. (See Poem of Pentaur.)