From the first sterile offspring of the wild asses and desert horses of the middle-east, and the discovery by mankind that mules combine some of the best traits of both horses and donkeys, these long-eared equines have played important parts in the history of mankind. Ancient people discovered that mule offspring were usually larger than their purebred horse parent – and in battle, this meant that you could see over your enemy. Mules held a respected place as the mounts of kings and important people – the golden funeral bier of Alexander the Great was pulled by 40 magnificent mules hitched four-span, ten deep. Burros, donkeys, asses, and more – have as much a role in producing good mules as the finest horse.