I/32 WESTERN CHOU & “SPRING & AUTUMN” CHINESE 1100 BC - 480 BC

This list covers the Western Chou dynasty from its appearance, first as allies of the Shang and then as their rivals and supplanters, until 770 BC and after this the numerous independent states, commonly named after the “Spring and Autumn Annals” of the state of Lu. The general and his nobles rode in 4-horse 3-crew chariots. Buried examples had a 2.96m axle, which was also roughly the width of the horse team. Close-fighting foot were initially armed with a short dagger-axe and shield or with short spear and shield. These were largely replaced after 700 BC by a long dagger-axe or spear intended as an anti-chariot weapon (3Pk). From 520 BC, armies were sometimes ordered to throw away their long weapons and charge with sword alone. The southern states of Wu and Yueh were in marshy coastal regions dominated by rivers and used fewer chariots. Reference: Ancient Chinese Armies C. Peers.

I/32a — Western Chou Army 1100 BC - 701 BC

List: 1 x General (HCh), 1 x nobles (HCh), 1 x short dagger-axemen (4Bd or if “tiger guards” 3Bd), 3 x short dagger-axemen (4Bd), 2 x spearmen (3Ax), 3 x archers (3Bw), 1 x archers (Ps)
Terrain: Arable
Aggression: 3
Enemies:
Allies: I/13b and/or I/14a

I/32b — Wu or Yueh Chinese Army 584 BC - 480 BC

List: 1 x General (HCh), 1 x nobles (HCh), 1 x picked troops with short dagger-axe or sword (3Bd), 4 x all long dagger-axemen (3Pk) or all swordsmen (3/4Bd), 2 x tribesmen (3WDb), 2 x archers (3/4Bw), 1 x archers (Ps) or desperate convicts (SHd)
Terrain: Littoral
Aggression: 0
Enemies:

I/32c — Other Chinese Armies 700 BC - 480 BC

List: 1 x General (HCh), 3 x nobles (HCh), 1 x picked troops with short dagger-axe or sword (3Bd), 4 x all long dagger-axemen (3Pk) or all swordsmen (3/4Bd), 2 x archers (3/4Bw), 1 x archers (Ps)
Terrain: Arable
Aggression: 0
Allies: I/14a