DBA Armies

Following the collapse of Tibetan power in the Ordos region of what is now north-west China, a number of Tangut warlords set up independent states. After years of squabbling, they were induced to unite by a Sung attempt to conquer them 982- 1004; and this culminated in 1038 when Yuan-hao took the tile of emperor and founded the Tangut Hsi-Hsia dynasty. This provoked another Sung attack and intermittent wars with Sung China continued until 1119. Defeated by Genghis Khan in 1207, the Hsi-Hsia became nominal subjects of the Mongols, but refused to supply troops when called on, leading to their destruction in 1227. Tangut horsemen were mostly armoured and armed with lance, bow and sword, with those who could afford it riding armoured horses. Elite shock troops were called “iron sparrowhawks” and were probably the horsemen formed so close that they were said to be fastened together. “Foot treaders” were bad terrain specialists. They were backed by Chinese-style conscripts. Light stone-throwers were transported on camels. References: Soldiers of the Dragon C. Peers, The Perilous Frontier T.]. Barfield, Defending Heaven ]. Waterson, The Great State of White and High Ruth Dunnell.