History of Northern Ethnic Groups in Ancient China

Author: Lin Hu
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-07-01
Features: The northern nomadic peoples of ancient China were active in the northern deserts for thousands of years, spanning vast distances, with a complex history. Writing their history is challenging. The author of The General History of Northern Ethnic Groups in Ancient China focuses on the three major ethnic groups—Xiongnu, Turkic, and Donghu—using Marxist and Leninist perspectives and methods to provide a detailed account of the economic life, social structure, political organization, cultural customs, tribal rise and fall, political evolution, and relationships with other ethnic groups, particularly the Han. The content of this lecture notes is as follows: First, it aims to impart fundamental knowledge to readers interested in ethnic history, helping them establish a solid foundation in this discipline and open a smooth path forward. Second, it broadens their horizons, enabling them to gain a higher perspective and a deeper understanding of the research on ancient northern ethnic history over the past century, as well as mastering essential reference bibliographies to facilitate further advancement in the field. Third, it teaches them the methods of historical research, providing them with a key to unlock the doors of history, making it easier for them to excel and innovate, avoiding imitation of past theories and achieving a level of insight that surpasses their predecessors. Fourth, it cultivates their ability to think critically, discerning right from wrong in academic thought, and enabling them to make meaningful contributions to the field of history. The history of northern ethnic groups in ancient China is complex, and the author categorizes them broadly. Narrowly speaking, they can be divided into three major systems: Xiongnu, Turkic, and Donghu. Broadly speaking, they also include the Suishen system in the northeast and the various ethnic groups in the western regions. Although this book mentions all ethnic groups within the five systems, the focus remains on narrating the Xiongnu, Turkic, and Donghu systems. Therefore, the appendix, which introduces foreign research on ancient northern ethnic history, is entirely limited to the Xiongnu, Turkic, and Mongolian ethnic groups. It also provides only a brief overview but pays attention to research from various countries, including Europe, the United States, Japan, Mongolia, and Central Asian Islamic regions, to ensure a broader and more comprehensive information network. The specific content of this General History attempts to use the scientific perspectives and methods of Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, and Deng Xiaoping Theory to provide a comprehensive and systematic account of the economic life, social structure, political organization, cultural customs, tribal rise and fall, political evolution, and relationships with other ethnic groups, particularly the Han, in order to outline the historical profile of ancient northern ethnic groups.