As we all know, all aspects of ancient times were underdeveloped, especially in wartime. The configuration was relatively simple and the equipment was not sophisticated, but the speed had to keep up. Because in the process of marching, speed is the most important factor for troops to advance, so the ancients were very particular about speed. If the marching speed is too slow, it may delay the fighters, especially when crossing the river, and it is easy to be intercepted by the enemy. At this time, the troops will be severely hit, hit hard and even recover. Then the question is, how did the ancients cross the river quickly in ancient wars? In fact, this is the most important issue for many famous soldiers during the war. How did the ancients cross the river quickly? What are the ways? Let's have a look!
If the troops encounter a river during the March, they will first judge the depth of the river and then decide the way to cross the river. If it is a shallow river, you can cross it directly on foot. If the river is fast, you can also use your weapon as a support to prevent it from being washed away by the river. Cavalry can ride directly across the river and use horseshoes to resist the rushing water. However, this method is primitive and has a high risk factor. Once attacked, it is difficult to resist, so the mortality rate is not small.
If we judge the depth of the river, the result is relatively deep. Then it is certainly unrealistic to walk or ride a horse under such circumstances. There are only two choices left, that is, either by boat or across the bridge. It is unrealistic to want to go there by boat. After all, during the war, there were many troops and weapons. There are definitely not enough boats, and time doesn't allow it. So this method of going by boat is actually only suitable for some small troops.
Then the more reliable way is to bridge. Of course, there is not only one way to bridge, one is to take the pontoon bridge and the other is to take the suspension bridge. You may be familiar with the suspension bridge, which has appeared in some film and television dramas. This is a simple bridge built with two hemp ropes. You need two soldiers who can swim when you take it. Swim to the other side of the river first, then fix the rope, then put the raft on the rope, and the soldiers can cross the river. Moreover, in order to prevent the enemy from raiding halfway, some soldiers need to take precautions and then cross the river in batches to ensure safety. But the suspension bridge made of hemp rope is not so strong that it can't bear those large weapons.
In this case, the pontoon bridge has become the best choice for the troops. The pontoon bridge has piers, and its pier structure is mainly ships, and then wooden boards are laid between the ships as bridges. The pontoon bridge made in this way is stronger than the suspension bridge, and the passing rate is higher. Moreover, not only soldiers can pass, but also large weapons can pass, so the pontoon bridge became a method of crossing the river quickly in ancient wars. In order to improve the marching speed and prevent the enemy from attacking halfway, the ancients took great pains to cross the river and summed up these methods after many attempts.