Objective This project investigates human-animal relations in the ancient Near East, with equids (horses, donkeys and horse-donkey hybrids) as the main focus, and with an understanding of animals as social actors. The data used includes the material culture of the Bronze Age Near East in the form of archaeological contexts with equid remains (burials, sacred space, settlements and other contexts), supplemented by iconography, textual references and finds associated with equids, such as chariots and harnesses. The application of research from the interdisciplinary field of Human-Animal Studies enables a dynamic approach to human-animal interfaces where the agency of animals is recognised. This results in a new type of study of how humans encounter and interact with other animals, and how those animals in turn interacts with humans, with broader implications for human involvement with their environment, both today and in the past. During the EF, the ER will receive training in archaeozoology, Akkadian and GIS techniques, along with methodological and practical skills that will enable the completion of the project and improve future career prospects. The project's interdisciplinary nature is expressed not only in its theoretical application, but also through engagement with modern equine venues, including veterinary clinics, sports centres, and therapeutic centres (with horses and donkeys either being treated or supporting in the treatment of humans). Dissemination and public engagement will occur in a wide range of areas, including academic papers and conference presentations, podcasts, a project website and social media pages, and participation in public events in Cambridge and abroad. Fields of science natural sciencescomputer and information sciencesdatabasesnatural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesphysical geographycartographygeographic information systemshumanitieshistory and archaeologyarchaeologybioarchaeology Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2016 - Individual Fellowships Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2016 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinator THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE Net EU contribution € 183 454,80 Address TRINITY LANE THE OLD SCHOOLS CB2 1TN Cambridge United Kingdom See on map Region East of England East Anglia Cambridgeshire CC Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 183 454,80