The beginning of Chinese civilization

Author: Li Ji
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-08-01
Features: The work of modern Chinese archaeologists cannot be limited to seeking evidence to reconstruct the brilliance of China's past; their more important responsibility is rather to answer some questions that were previously ambiguously explained by historians but were nurtured under the influence of modern science. These questions fall into two categories, but they are closely related: one concerns the origin and formation of the Chinese nation, and the other concerns the nature and development of Chinese civilization. This book is a preliminary summary of Professor Li Ji's research on ancient Chinese civilization and culture from 1954 to 1972, showcasing the development of his academic thoughts and perspectives. It includes fifty exquisite images at the beginning of the book, some of which are published in Chinese for the first time. The book consists of eight chapters, among which the first chapter, "The Beginning of Chinese Civilization," explores the origins of Chinese civilization based on the findings of the Yin Ruins, particularly the study of Yin Ruins pottery and bronze artifacts. Other chapters, while affirming the importance of the Anyang excavations to Chinese history, offer a renewed understanding of ancient cultures and the origins of Chinese culture. They also provide valuable suggestions on the collection, selection, organization, and writing of ancient historical materials, raising the issue of reconstructing ancient Chinese history. Research on the origins of Chinese civilization has always been a focal point in academia, and much of what we see today is built upon the foundation laid by Professor Li Ji's work.