Timeline of Falcony

Assembling an unbiased, inclusive history of global falconry may be an unattainable goal. Much of the content in this timeline is based on access to a collection of books, art, and material culture primarily rooted in the western tradition. We acknowledge these limitations and regret the omission of countless stories, events, and/or notable falconers who are overlooked here. The challenge is to include just enough entries to compose a digestible review of major themes in falconry, while also representing the diverse cultures and perspectives that contributed to this rich heritage.

One of the most difficult questions to answer is: When and where did falconry first emerge? Early cultures known to practice falconry include the nomadic tribes of the Central Asian steppe and Persia, who generally left behind little archaeological evidence of their presence. For entries pertaining to the earliest evidence of falconry, we relied upon peer-reviewed archeological papers, while later information was gleaned from surviving books, manuscripts, and other written accounts.

However, the secrets of falconry were primarily handed down through a master-apprentice relationship for millennia - like most ancient arts and crafts. Until the 19th Century, falconry books, like many other literary topics, were rare indeed and largely penned by, and/or for, kings and other aristocrats who could read and write. The story of ancient falconry beyond the castle or manor is much less understood, thus the search for a complete history may remain unresolved.