The armies of various dynasties in ancient China had unique food supply methods and food cultures under different historical backgrounds. The supply of these rations is directly related to the physical recovery of soldiers and the maintenance of combat effectiveness.
So what was the main food for the armies of the Chinese dynasties?
1. Rations during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period
During the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, the armies of various countries in China focused on providing abundant rations. In addition to the main grains such as rice, millet, beans, and meat, a variety of vegetables, fruits, and condiments are also included. For example, the rations used by the army of Sun Wu, a general of the Qi state, also included leeks, onions, garlic, and beans, according to the "Historical Records: The Biography of Mencius Xunqing".
2. Rations of the Tang Dynasty
In the Tang Dynasty, the army's ration supply was more refined and diversified. The main grains were still rice, millet and wheat, but in the rations of the Tang Dynasty army, attention was also paid to carrying some special foods. According to the Old Tang Dynasty Book of Food and Goods, during the war against Tibet, the Tang Dynasty general Li Jing prepared food and wine for his soldiers, such as shortbread, chicken and duck meat, dried fruits, candied fruits, etc.
3. Rations of the Song Dynasty
During the Song Dynasty, armies often relied on dry rations and fish to meet the food needs of their soldiers during long marches. According to the History of the Song Dynasty, soldiers in the Song Dynasty army carried dried biscuits, dried fish, and dried fruits as dry food reserves, and also caught fish as a supplement to their rations.
Fourth, the rations of the Qin Dynasty
In the Qin Dynasty, armies often carried dry rations and dried meat on the march. According to the Records of the First Emperor of the Qin Dynasty, soldiers in the Qin Dynasty army carried dried meat as the main ration supply. Dried meat can be preserved by drying and marinating, etc., for wartime**.
5. Rations of the Ming Dynasty
In the Ming Dynasty, the army took more countermeasures in terms of ration supply. The army's rations were mainly grain, such as rice, millet, glutinous rice, etc. In addition, there are vegetables, meats (pork, beef, lamb, etc.), dried fruits, and pickles. In the battle against the Japanese invaders, Qi Jiguang, a general of the Ming Dynasty, prepared food and supplies for his soldiers, such as rice, millet, soybeans, peanuts, pickles, pickles, etc., according to the records of the Complete Works of Qi Jiguang.
6. Rations of the Qing Dynasty
In the Qing Dynasty, the army's rations were mainly based on grain. Common grains include rice, millet, corn, etc., and some meat, vegetables, dried fruits, and pickles are also carried. According to the "Qing Shilu: The Biography of Li Hongzhang", in the battle against the invasion of foreign enemies, Li Hongzhang paid attention to the supply of rations for the army, such as rice, beans, cured meat, etc.
7. Rations of the Song Dynasty
In the Song Dynasty, the army's ration supply was similar to that of other dynasties, with grain-based food, such as rice, millet, millet, etc. In addition, there are beans, meat, vegetables, and dried fruits, among others. According to the "History of the Song Dynasty, the official chronicles" recorded that in the war against the invasion of the Jin Dynasty, the Song Dynasty general Yue Fei attached great importance to the supply of rations for the army, and provided the soldiers with rations such as rice, millet, beans, meat, vegetables and dried fruits to maintain the physical strength and combat effectiveness of the soldiers.
So, what was the food of the foreign ** team in the same period?
Roman Empire: The supply of cereal and meat
In the Roman Empire, the army's main ration was cereal, usually cooked into porridge or pasta** for soldiers. Meat was also an important supply, especially for the high-ranking ** and soldiers in the army. According to historical records, Roman armies often carried cured meat as rations on their marches and in battle.
Mongol Empire: supply of dairy products and dried meat
In the Mongol Empire, due to its nomadic character, the army's rations consisted mainly of dairy products and dried meat. Dairy products such as cheese and dried yogurt provided protein and energy, while dried meats were dried or marinated as rations for long marches.
Greek city-states: supply of grains and dried fruits
In the city-state wars of ancient Greece, the main ration of the army was grain, especially barley. Soldiers often carried dried fruits, such as dried grapes and almonds, as a boost of energy and taste.
Japan's Sengoku Period: Rice and seafood supply
During the Sengoku period in Japan, the main ration of the army was rice, which was usually cooked into rice ** for soldiers. In addition, since Japan is an island nation, seafood is also an important supply**, such as fish and shellfish.
The armies of ancient Chinese dynasties varied in the supply of rations, but they all focused on providing adequate energy and nutrition. From the rich and diverse supplies of the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, to the more refined and diversified rations of the Tang Dynasty, Ming Dynasty, Qing Dynasty and Song Dynasty, the ancient squadron provided enough energy and nutrition for the soldiers through reasonable rations, and maintained their combat effectiveness and morale. The supply of these rations not only met the basic needs of the soldiers, but also took into account the special needs of the battlefield environment and combat missions.