Osprey Men-at-Arms 284 : Imperial Chinese Armies (1) 200 BC - 589 AD

After 304 AD the five 'barbarian' tribes divided north China among themselves, setting up dynasties which were often Chinese only in name, and feuding constantly both with each other and with the native states, whose stronghold was now in the south. It was under this barbarian influence that the heavily-armoured cavalry which were to become the striking force of the great T'ang dynasty in the 7th and 8th centuries first developed. In a knowledgeable text complemented by numerous illustrations, this book explores the history, weaponry, tactics and organisation of medieval Chinese armies between 200 BC and AD 589. This book is the sequel to Men-at-Arms 218 : Ancient Chinese Armies 1500-200 BC and the next book in the series is Men-at-Arms 295 : Imperial Chinese Armies (2) 590-1260 AD. Text by Chris Peters with illustrations by Michael Perry.

Contents

• Chronology
• The Western Han 202 BC - 25 AD
• The Eastern Han 25-189 AD
• Recruitment
• Organisation
• Weapons
• Defences
• Garrison Life
• The Three Kingdoms and the Ts'in 189-316 AD
• The Barbarian Invasions 316-589 AD
• Armies of the Invasion Period
• The Art of War in the Early Imperial Age
• Ten Significant Battles
• The Plates