Ancient Chinese Warfare 2200 B C 1300 A

Ancient Chinese Warfare 2200 B. C. – 1300 A. D.

Important Terms �Infantry: Branch of a military force that fights on foot — troops specifically trained to engage, fight, and defeat the enemy in face-to-face combat, and thus bear the brunt of warfare, suffering the greatest number of casualties. �Cavalry: Soldiers or warriors who fought mounted on horseback. Cavalry were historically the most mobile of the combat arms. �Archery: The use of the bow and arrow; an important military and hunting skill before the widespread and efficient use of firearms.

History �Engaged in military warfare since its establishment �Oldest and largest civilizations of all time �Fought for unification, expansion, and defense of there territories �Mighty sea-power �Produced massive infantry – 200, 000 men �Armies �Navies �Copper weaponry �Bronze weaponry �Later Iron

Contrast Copper Bronze

Iron- Oh Yeah!! �Iron became the material of choice for the Chinese �It was strong and durable, easier to work with

Iron Weapons

Examples

Chinese Floating Fortress �“Louchuan” �Type of naval vessel, primarily a floating fortress, which has seen use in China since the Han Dynasty. Meant to be a central vessel in the fleet, the Louchuan was equipped for boarding and attacking enemy vessels, as well as with siege weapons including traction trebuchets for ranged combat.

Continued � Joseph Needham � - “these ships have three decks equipped with bulwarks for the fighting lines, and flags and pennants flying from the masts. There are ports and openings for crossbows and lances [and at the sides there is provided felt leather to protect against fire], while (on the topmost deck) there are trebuchets for hurling stones, set up (in appropriate places). And there also (arrangements for making) molten iron (for throwing in containers from these catapults). (The whole broadside) gives the appearance of a city wall. In the Jin period the Prancing. Dragon Admiral, Wang Jun, invading Wu, built a great ship 200 paces (1000 ft. ) in length, and on it set flying rafters and hanging galleries on which chariots and horses could go. But if [all of a sudden] a violent wind is encountered, (such ships are likely to) get out of human control, so they were judged inconvenient in practice [for warlike action]. But the fleet cannot fail to be furnished with such ships, in order that its overawing might may be perfected”.

Louchuan Pics

The Great Wall of China

Facts �Fortification made of stone, brick, tamped earth, wood, and other materials �Built across the northern border of China to protect the Chinese Empire against intrusions by various nomadic groups or military forces � 13, 171 miles

Gunpowder Fire Lance Grenades