Red Harvest
10-30-2005, 18:12
I came across something I had not heard before, and thought it might prove of interest to the rest of you. I've been reading through pieces of Arthur Cotterell's Chariot and I came across a key distinction that would limit the speed of all chariots depicted in the game: the method of harnessing. While the Chinese improved on harness by going to a breast-strap arrangement, western chariots (including India and Persia) used throat-and-girth arrangements until the 10th century A.D.
The throat-and-girth harnessing constricted the breathing of the team despite some improvements to it over time. The only real counter for the problem (other than another style entirely) was use of lighter chariots to minimize the effect. That wouldn't eliminate the problem, but it would make it manageable. (Imagine yourself trying to run pulling a load with a similar restriction to your breathing.)
By contrast the Chinese were able to use heavier chariots, because of a more efficient harnessing system. Their teams had more tractive power because of this.
The throat-and-girth harnessing constricted the breathing of the team despite some improvements to it over time. The only real counter for the problem (other than another style entirely) was use of lighter chariots to minimize the effect. That wouldn't eliminate the problem, but it would make it manageable. (Imagine yourself trying to run pulling a load with a similar restriction to your breathing.)
By contrast the Chinese were able to use heavier chariots, because of a more efficient harnessing system. Their teams had more tractive power because of this.