The earliest archaeological evidence of armor in China dates to the Shang dynasty. These were either breastplates made of shell tied together or a one-piece rawhide or [partially tanned] leather breastplate. Helmets w… See more

The Sui dynasty made prodigious use of heavy cavalry. Both men and horses were heavily armoured. Armoured Sui horsemen found it difficult to engage with lighter Turkic cavalry on the steppes. They were mainly use… See more

Although armour never lost all meaning during the Ming dynasty, it became less and less important as the power of firearms became apparent. It was already acknowledged by the early Ming artillery officer … See more