Ancient Chinese Armies 1500-200 BC

Osprey Men at Arms #218

by Chris Peers, Angus McBride (Illustrator)

By the 15th century BC the valley of Hwang Ho was dominated by a palace-based military caste which owed its supremacy to a monopoly of bronze-working techniques among a still mainly Stone Age population. To the Shang Dynasty, war was a means of legitimising the power of their new aristocracy. This fascinating volume by C. J. Peers covers the period of China's history from the first documented civilisation to the establishment of an enduring unified empire, examining the history, organisation, uniform and weapons of ancient Chinese armies.

Genres: History, China, Nonfiction, Ancient History, Military History

48 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[William Gwynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taken far longer than usual to read just 50 pages, as I was writing notes throughout. I knew almost nothing about this period of history, so basically every single word was enlightening me. Great overview of the time period if you're just getting into it. If you want something with a bit more depth, you may want to look for something else.

[Little Timmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice overview of these troops. wonderful pics. Recommended

[Glyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book sets itself a herculean topic. It tries to map the development of the Chinese states and their military doctrines over a colossal 1,300 year period. If you want to understand the time scale involved here in more occidental terms think of it like this, In the period covered by this book the western world saw the rise and fall of the Mycenean and Minoan empires, the Trojan Wars, The exodus of the Jews from Egypt, the Assyrian empires, the Babylonians, the zenith and decline of Pharaonic Egypt, the Persians, the whole classical Greek period and most of Hellenistic Greek history. it also cover the development of Rome until the defeat of Hannibal. So to fit that period into less than 100 pages is no mean feat.

With sketchy literary sources, some archaeological research and the Terracotta statues to draw from Peers does a good job of creating a structured overview and leaves the reader with a decent biography section to peruse further.

This is an excellent way of dipping your toe into the wonders of ancient Chinese history.

[Shane Kiely · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly informative summation of over 1000 years of military history in under 50 pages (less if you take out the illustration plates). Provides a good overview of the divided nature of the ancient lands that occupied much of the area that encompasses modern China while exploring the context for how this caused military equipment & tactics to develop. Strong title.

[Станислав · Rating 2 out of 5]

Как обычно в этой серии: попытка на нескольких станицах охватить больше тысячи лет истории Китая. Интересно начало про военное дело Шан. Где-то вроде видел небольшую монографию на русском. Не хватает информации по тактике использования боевых колесниц.

[E. Kahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4* on the Osprey curve. Very superficial treatment of a very long period that is subject to a huge amount of debate and fast-paced archaeological discovery and interpretation. But it's good for the wargaming and dioramas crowd I guess.

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very abbreviated history of Pre-China cultures and warfare. Interesting.