How did the Shang army win battles?
Narrator: The Shang military was a powerful highly organised machine.
Most of the warriors were foot soldiers armed with bronze weapons such as daggers, spears and ji, a long stick with a bronze spear on the end.
Warrior: Charge!
Narrator: Next came the archers who could attack their enemies from a great distance.
Archer: Ready, aim, fire!
Narrator: They were an important part of any battle and would probably have stood behind the foot soldiers who would protect them.
Most deadly of all were the war chariots.
Fast and powerful, these were the most advanced of all the Shang military equipment.
Warrior: Faster, faster!
Narrator: Pulled by horses, they would have a driver to steer, a soldier to attack at close range and an archer.
Battles would be terrifying. There were almost no rules and hardly any medical treatment available to the wounded.
King: We鈥檝e won, take the survivors as prisoners.
Narrator: The Shang people fought others dynasties competing for territory, resources and glory.
Description
The Shang dynasty came to power by victory in battle and were eventually defeated in battle. Shang troops fought frequent wars with neighbouring settlements and nomadic herdsmen from the inner Asian鈥痵teppes.
Shang Dynasty
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