UNIT: TANG DYNASTY GUARDSMAN 唐卫兵

The Imperial Guards of the Tang Dynasty, also known as "Forbidden Troops" (traditional chinese: 禁軍, simplified Chinese: 禁军: jìn jūn), evolved initially from honour bodyguards of the emperor and garrison of the Imperial capitals during its formation in early 7th century, into the only military force that remained under the control of the central authorities after the An Lushan Rebellion.

Tang dynasty soldier in heavy lamellar armor- the winged cheekpieces designate that he is from the late Tang dynasty.

Mogao caves: rows of armored guardsmen in a mock battle drill or openly clashing with one another. They are equipped with pennoned banners and lacquered wooden shields. Their helmets are marked by a metal ball. They are also equipped with swords (Tang dao) on their left side.

Tang imperial guards depicted on the tomb relief of Li Chongrun, Crown Prince Yide, the son of Emperor Zhongzong and the infamous Empress Wei. Prince Li Chongrun- who never ascended the throne was forced to commit suicide by his grandmather, Empress Wu Zetian.

 

The honor guards of Crown Prince Yide, on his tomb relif, AD 706. Note the black and white cheveron stripped pennons. The black and white chevron stripes predates that of the Tang dynasty and was seen as early as the Northern Wei and Northern Qi period, likely a pattern originated from the steppe cultures of the north, nonetheless the Tang incorporated the motif and became a fixture of Tang dynasty armies. 

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For more about the Tang military, please check out my

other Tang dynasty pieces.

TOPICS: Tang Military Overview, Tang Dynasty Cavalry, Tang Imperial Guards, Tang Tiger Crown Troops, 
UNITS: Tang Imperial Officer, Tiger Crown Cavalry, Tang Imperial Guards, Tang Heavy Cavalry

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