Encyclopedia of Early Modern History Online

Get access

Sheep
(1,637 words)

1. Husbandry

Sheep, domesticated since the Neolithic period, can easily be herded and tended by shepherds (Herdsman) and sheepdogs (Pastoral economy). They are mobile, extremely adaptable to different climates and terrains, and capable of extensive grazing on poor soil (including moors); they are undemanding livestock with a high reproductive performance. Initially found only in Europe, Asia, and Africa, domestic sheep came to America, Australia, and New Zealand in the course of early modern colonization.

Where t…

Cite this page
Schöller, Rainer G., “Sheep”, in: Encyclopedia of Early Modern History Online, Editors of the English edition: Graeme Dunphy, Andrew Gow. Original German Edition: Enzyklopädie der Neuzeit. Im Auftrag des Kulturwissenschaftlichen Instituts (Essen) und in Verbindung mit den Fachherausgebern herausgegeben von Friedrich Jaeger. Copyright © J.B. Metzlersche Verlagsbuchhandlung und Carl Ernst Poeschel Verlag GmbH 2005–2012. Consulted online on 30 September 2023 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/2352-0272_emho_COM_026986>
First published online: 2015
First print edition: 20180208



▲   Back to top   ▲