Zhanmadao
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The zhanmadao (Template:Zh) was a single-bladed anti-cavalry Chinese sword. It originated during the Han dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) and was especially common in Song China (960–1279).
General characteristics
The zhanmadao is a single-edged sabre with a long broad blade, and a long handle suitable for two-handed use. It was used as an anti-cavalry weapon, dating from Emperor Cheng of Han, made to slice through a horse's legs.[1] This is mentioned in the Wujing Zongyao, a Song military manual from 1072.[2] It featured prominently against the Jin armies in campaigns between 1129 and 1141.[3]
The earliest variant of the zhanmadao is called zhanmajian (Template:Zh), literally "horse beheading jian". The zhanmajian existed during the Han dynasty, so called because it was supposedly able to cut off a horse's head.Template:Sfn The difference between the two is that zhanmajian is double-edged whereas the zhanmadao is single-edged, which persists with the meaning of jian and dao. Another suggestion is that the zhanmajian was an execution tool used on special occasions rather than a military weapon.[4]
Surviving examples include a sword that might resemble a nagamaki in construction; it had a wrapped handle Script error: No such module "convert". long making it easy to grip with two hands with a blade that was Script error: No such module "convert". long and straight, with a slight curve in the last half.[5]
Similar weapons
Possible variations of these Chinese swords were the changdao of Tang dynasty and Ming dynasty, wodao of Qing dynasty, as well as miaodao of the Republican Era.[6]
See also
References
Citations
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General and cited references
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