DBA Armies

During the Han dynasty, China had conquered most of Korea. After its collapse, the Korean tribes coalesced into the three kingdoms of Koguryo in the north, Shilla in the southeast and Paekche in the southwest. Kaya was the area between Paekche and Shilla which never quite formed a kingdom and was conquered by Shilla in 562. Its troops are assumed to be similar to those of Paekche but irregular. Paekche fell in 660 AD to a naval invasion by T’ang China and a revolt against the T’ang in 663 AD was defeated. The Paekche army was organised into three tiers, guard units stationed at the capital, permanent regular provincial troops and militia. Provincial and militia close fighting foot were armed with long spears, but there is no evidence for large shields. Cavalry are usually shown on unarmoured horses, but Koguryo sources depict enemy cataphracts and cataphract horse armour has been found in 5th century Paekche tombs. This was probably introduced after losing a war with Koguryo 392-404. References: Slingshot 234-236, Armies of T’ang China K.H. Ranitzsch.