The Warring State Period
The Warring State Period (476 BCE- 221 BC) was when the Seven States of Ancient China Engaged in what would be their longest and bloodiest war in history. Chinese warfare would never be the same again as the battle became more ruthless, advanced and strategics. Every aspect of Chinese warfare would be improved dramatically. Unlike in other warfare periods, armies involved in the Warring States used combined arms of Infantry, Archery and Cavalry. Iron would replace the widespread bronze metals and become China's main source of armor and weaponry.
The first official Chinese cavalry unit was formed in 307 BC by King Wuling of Zhao. War Chariots were still of major importance in nomadic marksmanship and the art of Reconnaissance. The Seven Warring States fielded massive armies, sometimes up to 200,000 men. Complex logistics were required for such large forces, thus creating Government Bureaucracies.
It is thought that the Chinese possibly borrowed the idea of the crossbow from the hill tribes that they encountered in Vietnam. They adapted it to their specifications, creating the preferred long-range weapon. Crossbows could be made easily and it was simple to train troops how to use them.
The Qin eventually became the dominant military and state. They successfully conquered the rest of the states until 221 BC when he conquered the remaining state, Qi. The Qi stood alone to face the overwhelming power of the Qin dynasty so they simply gave up. Shi Huang, leader of the Qi, had successfully united China and become its first official emperor.
The first official Chinese cavalry unit was formed in 307 BC by King Wuling of Zhao. War Chariots were still of major importance in nomadic marksmanship and the art of Reconnaissance. The Seven Warring States fielded massive armies, sometimes up to 200,000 men. Complex logistics were required for such large forces, thus creating Government Bureaucracies.
It is thought that the Chinese possibly borrowed the idea of the crossbow from the hill tribes that they encountered in Vietnam. They adapted it to their specifications, creating the preferred long-range weapon. Crossbows could be made easily and it was simple to train troops how to use them.
The Qin eventually became the dominant military and state. They successfully conquered the rest of the states until 221 BC when he conquered the remaining state, Qi. The Qi stood alone to face the overwhelming power of the Qin dynasty so they simply gave up. Shi Huang, leader of the Qi, had successfully united China and become its first official emperor.
Infantrymen
Infantrymen could now imply a variety of ancient weapons, made of iron. The most popular continued to be the dagger-axe. Dagger-axes varied 9-18 ft in length and were used to thrust with its spear or slash like an axe (causing extensive damage). The Qin dynasty appeared to be the most drawn to the dagger-axe, creating different ranged "pike" versions. Swords and armor first appeared on the battle-fields, though swords were still only made of bronze. A typical Infantry man would be equipped with leather jerkin as armor, covered in bronze plates and a hide helmet. His main weapon would be a pole arm with an iron head and a bronze axe or dagger for a secondary. Infantrymen would be formed into large but close formations for battle.
Chinese Imperial Navy
Massive river navies fought for control of the great rivers (Yangtze and the Xi). The Chinese built floating fortresses that maneuvered down the rivers accompanied by armadas. The fortress ships, complete with catapults, would provide a stronghold for any battle. Enemy Fire Ships would be sent to try and set them ablaze but the hide it was covered in provided protection from arrow and flame. Fire Ships would never be matched in military genius in the Western World. They consisted of a warship covered in hide, with flaming catapults on board.
The Arts Of War
Sun Tzu is said to have written the Art Of War in the times when military advancements were prominent. The Art Of War is the most influential military guide in history. However, five other military writings from the time period were also produced. Together with the Art Of War and a later work, they are called the Seven Military Classics.