Single Comment

I think, 'lance' is convenient name for Europeans, as symbol wich is
usually used in western sets (long arrow, pointing forward, while symbols
of generals are usually short arrows, pointing in directond, where generals
moves) reminds spear (but i am not sure that it's true). And that's why i
prefer i prefer to call it ragnat chariot.
Nevermind, i wanted to tell one interesting thing: look at this page:
http://history.chess.free.fr/xiangqi.htm -it describes history of Xiang-qi,
but i was interested by this paragrph (citation): 'The eldest undeniable
reference for the Xianqi is the Xuanguai lu (‘Tales of the obscure and
peculiar’) writen by the Tang Minister of State Niu Sengru (779-847), a
collection of tales of the supernatural. One is telling the of  Cen Shun
dreaming of a battle to come (which was supposed to occur in 762 AD.):
'the celestial Horse springs aslant over three, the Commanders go
sideaways and attack on all four sides, the baggage-waggons go straight
forwards and never backwards, the six men in armour (or the men armed with
six weapons) go in file but no backwards... On both sides stuff was
unpacked, stones and arrows flew across.' To make it absolutely clear,
these moves can be deduced from the text, but not with certainty. Since the
source is unique the greatest prudence is recommended. There is just
another mention in poem from Niu's contemporary and friend Bo Juyi
(772-846) which explicitly evoke Soldiers and Charriots.'
-description of baggage-waggons strongly reminds fragnat chariots!