A unique armor made of 6,000 scales was discovered in the tomb of a ruler from the Western Han dynasty (see photo).

In Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, Chinese archaeologists have uncovered scale armor in the tomb of Liu He, the ruler of Haihu, from the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC – 25 AD). This discovery sheds light on the advanced craftsmanship of ancient China and showcases the technological sophistication of the Han Dynasty, writes Arkeonews.

According to the provincial Institute of Archaeology and Cultural Relics, this is the first known example of composite armor from that period, made from lacquered iron, copper, and leather.

The scales, some measuring just 1 centimeter in width and 0.2 centimeters in thickness, were meticulously arranged, indicating the complex methods employed by artisans of that time.

Yang Jun, the leader of the excavation team, stated that after two years of diligent work, about 6,000 scales have been restored. The armor was found in the weapon section of the tomb, alongside swords and knives.

Experts provided additional context for this find. Bai Rongjin, an armor protection specialist from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, explained that scale armor from the Han Dynasty typically consisted of a single material, with each plate measuring between 4 to 10 centimeters. The smaller sizes of the plates in this discovery suggest the complexity of their production.

These items, which were originally stored in lacquered boxes, were found stacked due to the degradation of their containers, exacerbated by environmental factors such as earthquakes and rising groundwater levels from Poyang Lake.

The restoration process revealed that the composite structure made of iron, copper, and leather marks a significant departure from the single-material tradition of Han Dynasty armor. This innovative design not only demonstrates the technical capabilities of the time but also provides valuable material evidence for understanding ancient Chinese armor-making practices.

By uncovering the secrets of this ancient craft, researchers deepen our understanding of the technological achievements of the Han Dynasty. This discovery stands as a testament to the ingenuity of ancient Chinese artisans and their contribution to cultural heritage.

We also reported on an unexpected discovery related to the shroud of Charlemagne. It turned out that the fabric used for the shroud concealed secrets.