Chess problem
Chinese chess, as everyone knows, was invented by ancient Chinese people and consists of generals, soldiers, elephants, horses, chariots, cannons, and soldiers on each side. But have you noticed this cannon? The red side has a cannon, while the black side has a 'pao' (a kind of cannon), but in ancient times there were actually no cannons (except firecrackers). The strongest siege weapon was the catapult. Where did the cannon come from? Who invented it? And that's not all. According to the rules of chess, the cannon needs a platform in order to attack; otherwise, it is useless. Early gunpowder cannons also required a platform. How did the ancient people who invented Chinese chess know this? Did they have foreknowledge, like the Maya?
Replies (4)
The word '炮', when looking at its radicals, consists of 'fire' and 'wrap'. If at that time it didn't have the current meaning of cannon, it was actually just a projectile thrown by a catapult that was set on fire.
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