The Han Chinese also employed chemical warfare. In quelling a peasant revolt near Guiyang in 178 CE, the imperial Han forces had horse-drawn chariots carrying bellows that were used to pump powdered lime or calcium oxide at the rebels, who were dispersed. Because of the vigorous chemical reaction of quicklime with water, the quicklime caused severe agitation and stress on the eyes and skin. If in the presence of adequate water, the quicklime could create enough heat to ignite combustible materials such as straw or cloth. In the same instance, the soldiers also lit incendiary rags tied to the tails of horses. The rags would ignite flames but not burn the reaction to completion, ensuring a maximum time length for the frightened horses to rush through the enemy lines and disrupt their formations.