Chinese chariots

[nikgaukroger]

The role of the supporting infantry is interesting  (72 for each chariot).

I wonder what period of time that number comes from. I suspect Warring States (which is still a period of hundreds of years ...).

matches the number from your previous link for T'ai Kung's Six Secret Teachings excerpt, 'total of 24 for each flank (and the rear)'

Indeed, but it is complicated by the fact that the original work appears to be 11th century BCE but it has clearly been updated along the way as it includes references to cavalry and crossbows - introduction of the former are dated to the mid-4th century BCE, crossbows a bit before.

Working my way through the chariots bits in "Ancient Chinese Warfare" by Ralph D. Sawyer and I rather think the 72 per chariot is from the later period as there appears to be evidence of 25 per chariot at an earlier date - all a bit murky though.