The Origins of China’s Most Revered Weapon

From the legendary exploits of Zhang Fei brandishing his serpent spear on Dangyang Bridge to Zhao Zilong’s seven-in-seven-out rescue through enemy lines at Changban Slope, Chinese history and literature brim with tales of heroes wielding spears with unmatched prowess. But why does this particular weapon feature so prominently in China’s martial heritage?

The answer lies in both practical military application and cultural veneration. As the Ming dynasty military manual Shoubi Lu (《手臂录》) declared: “The spear is king of all weapons, for all other weapons fall before it.” This wasn’t mere poetic exaggeration – it reflected centuries of battlefield experience from military masters like Shi Jingyan, whose “Stone Family Spear” techniques became legendary during the Wanli era (1573-1620).

From Primitive Tool to Bronze Age Dominance

The spear’s journey begins in prehistoric times when early humans first sharpened sticks for hunting and protection. Archaeological evidence shows gradual refinement from simple sharpened wood to stone-tipped and eventually bronze spears during the Shang dynasty (1600-1046 BCE). The Wubei Zhi (《武备志》), another Ming military compendium, notes: “For practical battlefield use, nothing compares to the spear.”

During the Zhou dynasty (1046-256 BCE), spears evolved specialized forms:
– Chieftain Spears (酋矛): 4.5m infantry spears
– Barbarian Spears (夷矛): 5.5m chariot spears

The latter’s extraordinary length gave chariot crews decisive reach during the era’s characteristic “cross-hub” combat, where warriors dueled from passing war carts.

The Spear’s Golden Age: Han to Tang Dynasties

As cavalry replaced chariots, the spear adapted brilliantly. Han dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE) cavalry developed the mǎ shuò (马槊) – a 4m lance that became the signature weapon of heavy cavalry. The Northern and Southern Dynasties (420-589) saw further refinement with the advent of stirrups and lamellar armor.

The Tang dynasty (618-907) marked the spear’s zenith. Famous generals like:
– Yuchi Gong (尉迟恭), the “Spear-Dodging General” who could snatch opponents’ lances mid-charge
– Qin Shubao (秦叔宝), whose spear charges could rout entire formations
– Cheng Yaojin (程咬金), who fought on after being impaled by a lance

Their exploits became legendary, celebrated in military examinations where lance skills were mandatory for officers.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Beyond the battlefield, spears permeated Chinese culture:
– Literature: Central to classics like Romance of the Three Kingdoms
– Martial Arts: Over 100 documented spear techniques by Ming times
– Symbolism: Represented upright moral character in Confucian thought

Even as firearms rendered spears obsolete, their influence endured. The People’s Liberation Army maintained bayonet techniques derived from traditional spear methods well into the 20th century. Today, the spear remains a cornerstone of Chinese martial arts, its millennia-long legacy continuing to inspire new generations.

From primitive hunting tool to the weapon that shaped empires, the spear’s story is inextricably woven into China’s historical fabric – a testament to both its practical effectiveness and cultural significance. As the old military adage goes: “A hundred days to master the saber, a thousand days for the spear” – its complexity matched only by its enduring place in Chinese history.