The stirrup arrived in Europe during the 3rd and 4th century, by way of India, where it was used since the 1st century AD. The earliest known use of the stirrup was in China, several centuries before it showed up in India. The Chinese first developed the stirrup as a means of more easily mounting a horse, not for obtaining a more secure seat on horseback. Before the stirrup, saddles were built to give the rider a stable ride. This was done by having two or four additional pommel type devices on the four corners of the saddle. There was also a built up front and rear for saddles used by troops that fought from horseback. However, these older techniques, combined with the stirrup, made the mounted warrior quite secure in the saddle, especially if carrying a big load of armor and weapons.