Military of the Kingdom of Champa | |
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ꨣꨯꨢꩊ ꨌꩌꨛꨩ ꩌꨁꨤꨪꨓꨣꨳʾ | |
Founded | 192 |
Disbanded | 1832 |
Service branches | Army Navy Provincial Armies and Militias |
Leadership | |
Commander-in-Chief | King of Champa |
Related articles | |
History | Military History of Champa
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The military of Champa was the primary military force of Champa. The army and navy fought numerous wars and for defending their kingdom against the Chinese, Khmer and Vietnamese Empires and thwart piracy. The Champa military was known for its skill and innovation in warfare, particularly in shipbuilding and naval warfare. The Champa Kingdom was located in a strategic position on the coast, which allowed them to develop a strong navy and engage in maritime trade with other kingdoms in the region.
The Champa army used cavalry and elephants in battle, which were intended to charge enemy lines and break their formations. The soldiers were armed with a variety of weapons, including swords, spears, and bows and arrows. They were also skilled in the use of siege weapons and were known to use catapults and other devices to breach enemy defenses.
The Champa navy used advanced shipbuilding techniques and innovative approach to naval warfare. The navy was composed of large warships that were crewed by skilled sailors and soldiers. The Champa navy was known for its use of fire ships, and trebuchets, which were used to launch projectiles at enemy vessels.
However, despite their regional and naval power, the Khmer and Dai Viet Empires eventually defeated the Chams. After several wars, the Khmer Empire conquered Champa in the 12th century, and the Dai Viet Empire conquered Champa in the 15th century. The Chams were eventually assimilated into the Vietnamese culture, and their naval power declined. However, their legacy as skilled seafarers and shipbuilders has endured. The Champa Kingdom's military legacy continues to be felt today and is a testament to their skill and ingenuity in the field of military technology.[1]