1 September 2019

Chuan Huan (穿環)

Drawing of a Chuan Huan (highlighted), from 'Zhan Shou Quan Shu (《戰守全書》)'.
Chuan Huan (穿環, lit. 'Passing hoop') is a type of simple but ingenious device used in siege defence to counter battering ram. It is basically a series of large iron hoops chained together with leather bands. During a siege, Chuan Huan can be lowered down the wall and around the log of a battering ram. After the battering ram is caught by one of the iron hoops, defenders on the wall can then pull up Chuan Huan again to flip over the battering ram.

2 comments:

  1. I think this could actually be functional as a passive-active deterrent. instead of "fishing" for the ram a curtain or net of these rings could be lowered in front of the gate

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. @Yes
      So far from what I've seen it was actively lowered and raised, probably because the defenders also need to use the gate (to sortie out etc).

      (I've found one reference of similar weapon used for European castle defence on a medieval castle-for-dummy website, not sure how reliable is that site, but this might not be a uniquely Chinese weapon)

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