Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

  1. Home
  3. Research Domains
  5. History, Heritage And Archaeology
  7. Historical Studies
  9. History Of Empires, Imperialism And Colonialism
  11. Unveiling The Xianbei Cavalry: A Multidisciplinary Approach To Restore And Analyse The First Horse-cavalry Armour Set In China

Unveiling the Xianbei cavalry: a multidisciplinary approach to restore and analyse the first horse-cavalry armour set in China

Shasha Yang1,2, Juntao Xiao3, Le Mu4

  • 1School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130012, People's Republic of China.

Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|September 9, 2025

Related Experiment Videos

Construction of a Realistic, Whole-Body, Three-Dimensional Equine Skeletal Model using Computed Tomography Data
11:09

Construction of a Realistic, Whole-Body, Three-Dimensional Equine Skeletal Model using Computed Tomography Data

Published on: February 25, 2021

3.8K
Characterization Of Multi-layered Fish Scales Atractosteus spatula Using Nanoindentation, X-ray CT, FTIR, and SEM
10:06

Characterization Of Multi-layered Fish Scales Atractosteus spatula Using Nanoindentation, X-ray CT, FTIR, and SEM

Published on: July 10, 2014

15.5K
X-ray Powder Diffraction in Conservation Science: Towards Routine Crystal Structure Determination of Corrosion Products on Heritage Art Objects
09:16

X-ray Powder Diffraction in Conservation Science: Towards Routine Crystal Structure Determination of Corrosion Products on Heritage Art Objects

Published on: June 8, 2016

16.7K

View abstract on PubMed

Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This study reconstructs the earliest known Xianbei horse armour from China, revealing advanced nomadic manufacturing techniques. Palaeoproteomics identified sheep-derived materials, offering new insights into ancient armour production and equestrian culture.

Area of Science:

  • Archaeology
  • Materials Science
  • Ancient History

Background:

  • The Xianbei were a dominant nomadic power in the Eastern Eurasian Steppe from the 3rd to 6th centuries AD.
  • Knowledge of Xianbei cavalry weaponry and armour is limited due to scarce archaeological evidence and textual records.
  • Armour is crucial for understanding ancient combat strategies and cultural practices.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically reconstruct the earliest known set of horse-cavalry armour from the Xianbei culture.
  • To determine the material composition and manufacturing techniques of this ancient armour.
  • To highlight the utility of advanced analytical techniques, including palaeoproteomics, in archaeological research.

Main Methods:

  • Excavation of horse-cavalry armour from the Lamadong Cemetery.
Keywords:
Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopyXianbeiancient armourmicromorphological characterization

Related Experiment Videos

Construction of a Realistic, Whole-Body, Three-Dimensional Equine Skeletal Model using Computed Tomography Data
11:09

Construction of a Realistic, Whole-Body, Three-Dimensional Equine Skeletal Model using Computed Tomography Data

Published on: February 25, 2021

3.8K
Characterization Of Multi-layered Fish Scales Atractosteus spatula Using Nanoindentation, X-ray CT, FTIR, and SEM
10:06

Characterization Of Multi-layered Fish Scales Atractosteus spatula Using Nanoindentation, X-ray CT, FTIR, and SEM

Published on: July 10, 2014

15.5K
X-ray Powder Diffraction in Conservation Science: Towards Routine Crystal Structure Determination of Corrosion Products on Heritage Art Objects
09:16

X-ray Powder Diffraction in Conservation Science: Towards Routine Crystal Structure Determination of Corrosion Products on Heritage Art Objects

Published on: June 8, 2016

16.7K
  • Microscopic morphological analysis.
  • Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy.
  • Palaeoproteomics for material identification.

    • Main Results:

    • Successful reconstruction of the physical structure of the 1600-year-old armour.
    • Determination of the armour's material composition, including the first evidence of sheep-derived materials in ancient armour.
    • Demonstration of Xianbei's advanced manufacturing techniques.

    Conclusions:

    • Multidisciplinary approaches, particularly palaeoproteomics, are vital for novel insights into ancient material sourcing and technology.
    • This research provides the first concrete evidence of sheep-derived materials in ancient nomadic cavalry armour.
    • The findings enhance our understanding of Xianbei military technology and cultural practices.
    palaeoproteomics