Research On The Weapons Unearthed In The Tombs Of Liao Dynasty

Buried with weapons is a very popular custom in Liao dynasty. Based on these weapons excavated in tombs of Liao dynasty, we can have a solid foundations for study the weapons of Liao dynasty.This article includes six parts:Part 1. ForewordsIntroduce the classification and study history of weapons found in tombs of Liao dynasty.Part 2.The weapons found in tombs of Liao dynasty can classified into 13 different kinds. Including swords, knife, spear, arrowhead, whistling arrows, bow, cross-bow trigger, armor, Swords can be classified into three types. Knives are classified into four categories, Spears are divided into five categories, arrowhead divided into eight categories. Whistling arrows divided into three categories.Part 3.Weapons excavated in tombs of Liao dynasty can classified into 13 different kinds. Different kinds have different function,According to the length of the sword, we can divided into different categories. The long swords copied the sword of the central plains of Tang not only in shape but also in function. Liao armies are main equipment of medium length sword, and this type of sword affected the weapons used in northern border of Song dynasty. According to the length of the knife, we can divided into 2 categories. One is long, and the other is short. The long knifes are weapons of the army. The short knifes are used in daily life.In Liao dynasty, arrowhead not only used in combat, hunting, but also used in etiquette. In the first kind of arrowhead, type-a and type Ba arrowheads are used in pray for to rain . The main function of the the first kind of arrowhead shall be used in hunting, but not won't appear in the battlefield, its origin from the Gaogouli weapon, the other types of arrowhead are traditional types. They were used in actual combat. Whistling arrows was used as signal of command in orignal. In Liao dynasty, its basic function has changed, its main purpose is to transfer information and alarm. And whistling arrows is also occasionally used in punishing criminals.There are four main functions of Guduo.for instrument used as weapons, devices, spoke, and production tools. But in different occasions they were made of different types , the first kind of Guduo not only used in combat but also in ceremony occasion, the second and the third kind are used in ceremony occasion, the forth kind are practical weapon. B and c class GuDuo mainly used in the closing team. GuDuo is of practical weapon. GuDuo is suitable for the Qidan habits, even become the symbol of different classes. GuDuo originated in the Neolithic period. Latter its function extended, also have a great influence to ceremony instruments. Armor in liao dynasty often used by soldiers and horses in battle.Part 4.Obviously weapons in Liao dynasty have not one use. Maybe this is related to the custom of Qidan. or related to the different military policies of Liao and Song dynasty.Part 5.Discussed the weapons not record in historic books. And the change of knifes in Liao dynasty.Part6.Conclusion...