The «Heavenly Horses» of Ferghana, these majestic creatures, known as argamaks, sparked a conflict that would resonate through the ages, beginning in 104 BC when Emperor Wu-ti of the Han dynasty dispatched a formidable cavalry of 60,000 to Davan. The cause of this war lay in the extraordinary qualities of these horses, which possessed remarkable strength and stamina, and were said to «sweat blood»—a phenomenon that the Chinese interpreted as a divine sign, indicative of their celestial origin.
Emperor Wu-ti’s Quest for Immortality
Emperor Wu-ti’s fascination with these equine marvels was driven by his quest for immortality. He believed that by obtaining these «heavenly horses,» he could ascend to the «land of immortals.» Such was their significance that they became venerated in China, inspiring poets to pen odes in their honor. The mystery of their «sweating blood» would remain unsolved until the 20th century, attributed to a parasite that burrowed under their skin, creating this peculiar effect.
Following a defeat in 104 BC, the Chinese forces regrouped and launched another assault on Davan. This time, however, a compromise was struck: Ferghana agreed to provide the Chinese emperor with an annual tribute of 300 horses for his army.
The origins of these «heavenly horses» continue to intrigue scholars and enthusiasts alike. The Chinese traveler and imperial envoy Zhang Qian offers a glimpse into their mystical birthplace: the lofty mountains of Davan. According to his accounts, the locals would release brightly colored mares at the mountain’s base to mate with the wild stallions, producing offspring that «sweated blood,» hence their designation as a celestial breed.
While the «heavenly» aspect of the argamaks is captivating, it’s crucial to acknowledge the strategic imperative behind acquiring these horses. Their significance was amplified by the ongoing conflict with the Huns, whose formidable cataphract horsemen wreaked havoc along China’s frontiers. The Chinese, with their smaller and less robust horses, were at a disadvantage, fueling their desire to procure the superior Central Asian breeds, renowned as some of the finest of their time.
Today, the Akhal-Teke horses of Turkmenistan, esteemed as one of the world’s premier breeds, are believed by some to be the direct descendants of the «heavenly horses.» This lineage, if true, not only underscores the historical importance of the argamaks but also highlights the enduring influence of Central Asian equestrian culture.
The saga of the «Heavenly Horses» of Ferghana is a narrative that intertwines the threads of myth, history, and the pursuit of excellence. These horses, with their storied past and mystical allure, continue to gallop through the pages of history, embodying the spirit of the Ferghana Valley and its rich equestrian heritage.
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