Selenium Shortage Shaped Zhou Warhorses

China’s selenium-poor soils limited the strength, fertility, and reliability of its native horses, while selenium-rich grasslands in regions like Mongolia produced hardier warhorses. Early Chinese states, including the Zhou, bought horses from these northern steppe zones, which created an economic and military interdependence that benefited both sides. This same mineral imbalance meant that whenever relations with the northern steppe peoples deteriorated, China faced a serious strategic threat because its best military horses depended on access to foreign, selenium-rich pastures.

Previous Fact Next Fact