The main functions of carriages include transportation, war, ceremonial activities and cultural symbols.
Transportation
The carriage was one of the main means of transportation in ancient times, especially for the travel of nobles and officials. It not only provides a more comfortable ride, but also highlights the identity and status of the passengers. For example, the four-horse carriage (a carriage pulled by four horses) was very common in the Han Dynasty and was often used for daily travel, long-distance travel or social activities of nobles and officials.
War
In war, carriages and their variants, chariots, play an important role. Chariots are usually pulled by four horses and can provide powerful power to enable chariots to gallop quickly on the battlefield and attack the enemy camp. Chariots are usually equipped with armored soldiers who are responsible for combat and command. The emergence of chariots directly changed the ancient military pattern, making it an important tool for rulers to quickly dispatch troops and break through geographical restrictions.
Ceremonial activities
The carriage also played an important role in ancient ceremonial activities. A fleet of gorgeously decorated carriages was an important way to demonstrate national strength and ceremonial specifications. For example, the carriage with four horses appears in important occasions such as sacrifices, court meetings, and welcoming guests, symbolizing power, status, and wealth.
Cultural Symbolism
The carriage has rich connotations in ancient culture. For example, the idiom "Four horses are hard to catch up" reflects the importance and authority of the carriage with four horses, emphasizing that the words spoken are like the carriage running, which is difficult to take back, implying that one should keep one's word.
