Graveyard of Dutch cavalry horses?

An equine burial ground discovered near Amsterdam contains the remains of at least 51 horses that appear to have been killed in battle during the 1600s.

Archaeologists who discovered the horse graveyard were actually looking for evidence of prehistoric human settlements. But, as one researcher put it, "From the first shovel, it was horses, horses and more horses."

Historians say there were two large battles that the Dutch fought in that region during the 17th century. One involved the Spanish and one was against the French. It is not clear which army the horses belonged to, but there is definite evidence they were cavalry horses, not draft animals.

The Associated Press photo here shows as archaeologist working to uncover one of the equine skeletons Wednesday along the Maas River.

To read the Associated Press article on the discovery, click HERE.