Tang Army Crossbows

Timeline

1. 618–630Guanzhong · GuanzhongAfter the Tang dynasty's establishment it continued Sui crossbow regulations and stored armaments, using crossbows to defend cities and coordinate with chariot warfare in the wars of unification, gradually incorporating crossbowmen into the fubing and imperial guard systems.
2. 630–660Hexi and northern frontier forts · NorthwestFrom the Zhenguan era onward, Tang forces strengthened dense crossbow volleys at frontier fortresses and in field formations, coordinating with cavalry and infantry to create a defensive fire network countering the charges of Turkic and other nomadic cavalry.
3. 660–700The two capitals and regional military commands · ChinaBy the late seventh century Tang crossbow equipment and drill manuals had matured, with strong crossbows and arm crossbows clearly divided in role, continuing to provide ranged suppression in the campaigns against Goguryeo and in northwestern defense.