In this essay, I'll be talking about the meaning of warfare in ancient China and the way it led to the creation and innovation of weaponry and technology in every single dynasty, chronologically.
Warfare in Ancient China meant gaining ascendency over other dynasties to extend border sizes, therefore the state can expand and protect its frontiers. Ancient China are often countermined into five dynasties: The Xia, The Shang, The Zhou, The Qin and therefore the Han.
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The Xia Dynasty
The Xia dynasty (2100-1600BC), the very first established dynasty system in China, had been established through battles between two tribes that had long existed – the Xia tribe and Chiyou’s tribe. Markings on ancient walls tells us that the Xia used bronze weapons. These weapons included the bow and arrow, swords, spears, dagger-axes, halberds, and crossbows. But the foremost popular technology during this era was the utilization of jade, bronze vessels, and bronze casting. The Xia dynasty wasn't very populated and that they were eventually overthrown by the Shang.
The Shang Dynasty
The Shang dynasty (1600-1046BC) started using bronze very often and that they started liking bronze weaponry. Eventually, they made stronger weapons with bronze. The Shang also created chariots to help the soldiers in achieving a touch higher ground in battle. The dynasty was made stratified which led to the corruption of the leaders, resulting in the eventual downfall of the dynasty after they disregarded the likelihood of incoming attack from the Zhou.
The Zhou Dynasty
The Zhou dynasty (1046-256BC) was the longest ruling dynasty. The Zhou dynasty used bronze at the beginning of the dynasty as they saw it as a really strong material in war but they knew that they needed more powerful weaponry. They ultimately adopted the concept of using iron weapons as bronze was later proving ineffective for them in war. Before the beginning of the making of iron weapons, the Zhou were already using swords, halberds, crossbows, spears and also shields. The Zhou were able to reach temperatures up to 1537 degrees centigrade, simply enough to melt iron and make stronger and more durable weapons. The Zhou also developed an ideology of philosophy and debated everything from the character of men to the proper ruler. They ruled China for 790 years, before eventually being defeated by the Qin, who failed to just like the idea of the Fengjian system, where the house would strengthen their jurisdiction by sending their relations to other states and making them the governors of the regions.
The Qin Dynasty
The Qin dynasty (221-206BC) ruled for a short-term. The Qin weren't cognizant of the iron weapons of the Zhou, so that they were still using quite lot of bronze weapons and a few that were manufactured from an alloy consisting of copper and other elements. The Qin introduced legalism, which led to the burning of the books made within the Zhou dynasty, recording the talk. This was done to expunge all history of individual states therefore the nation could have one identity and one antiquity. it had been then the emperor asked one amongst his specialists to form an elixir of immortality for him. The elixir of immortality contained mercury sulfide which led to the demise of the emperor. After the death of the emperor, the Hans saw it as a clear opportunity to require over China and that they defeated the very vulnerable Qin.
The Han Dynasty
The Han dynasty (206BC-220AD) saw the beginning of using alloys like steel in weaponry. That helped within the making of tougher armor and swords. Though they still used iron weapons, it had been quite minimal. As a lookout for potential opposition threats, the Hans also invented hot air balloons which were wont to spy on enemy troops and record any possible threats to the Hans. Seeing because the previous dynasties often failed in navigation, the Hans created the primary compass. The Hans also had armor manufactured from rawhide. They were prepared for war at any time. Paper was also a crucial invention of The Hans because it became some way to pass messages around.
Conclusion
The technological advancements and new weaponry which the dynasties introduced is the reason for the expansion of Ancient China. It's what kept Ancient China ideal. Their constant improvements. Learning from their past in warfare and using that knowledge to adapt to help in building an improved, stronger, safer future.
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