Chinese Archaeology. Xia and Shang Volumes

Author: Yang Xizhang, Gao Wei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-12-01
Features: Around the early 21st century BC, the Xia Dynasty emerged in the Central Plains, marking a new chapter in Chinese history, followed by the Shang Dynasty. The Xia-Shang transition spanned over a millennium. Ancient Chinese civilization matured and flourished during the Shang period, creating a distinctive and splendid bronze culture. This culture holds a significant position in the history of Chinese civilization and profoundly influenced the fundamental trajectory of Chinese society in the following millennia. The wealth of materials provided by modern archaeology has greatly expanded our understanding of the Xia and Shang civilizations. Archaeological research, grounded in fieldwork, has become the primary means of reconstructing the reliable history of the Xia and Shang dynasties. China's Archaeology: The Xia and Shang Dynasties systematically introduces the discoveries and research achievements of Xia-Shang archaeology in the 20th century, as well as its contributions to exploring Xia-Shang history and recreating Xia-Shang civilization. The book focuses on the excavations and research conducted since 1928, the discovery and study of the Erlitou Shang culture and the Zhengzhou Shang city, the discovery and exploration of the Erlitou site and Xia culture, the discovery and study of the Yanshi Shang city, the Anyang Huanbei Shang city, and other Shang Dynasty city sites, important sites, and tombs. It also covers the discovery and study of archaeological cultures in the surrounding regions during the Xia and Shang periods. Based on the theory that the founding of the Yanshi Shang city marks the transition between the Xia and Shang dynasties, the book argues the relationship between Xia-Shang cultures and addresses the unresolved issue of defining Xia and Shang cultures. It further traces the early Xia and pre-Xia cultures before the Erlitou culture. Additionally, it discusses the relationship between Xia-Shang cultures and surrounding cultures and their historical significance. As a comprehensive work on Xia-Shang period archaeology, the book elaborates on the tasks, characteristics, and methods of Xia-Shang archaeological research, as well as relevant reflections, and looks ahead to the future development of Xia-Shang archaeology. This book is suitable for professionals and enthusiasts in the fields of history, archaeology, cultural heritage, and art history.