The Formation of the Northern Cultural Belt of China during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States Periods

Author: Yang Jianhua
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-06-01
Features: This book is one of the academic series of the Ancient Civilization Research Center at Peking University. Through the study of the remains of the Northern Bronze Culture during the Eastern Zhou period, the entire cultural region is divided into three stages, reflecting the process of emergence, flourishing, and decline of typical artifacts such as short swords and decorative plaques, as well as the level of social development. On this basis, it discusses the formation process of the Northern Cultural Belt in terms of subsistence technology, cultural identity, and traditional concepts. Finally, it examines the unique characteristics of the Northern Cultural Belt and the role of cultural exchanges with neighboring regions in its formation, all within the broader context of the pastoral civilization of the Eurasian Steppe and the agricultural civilization of the Central Plains. Archaeological research shows that the formation of the Northern Cultural Belt in China coincided with the transition of the Central Plains from feudal states to an empire, holding equally significant importance. This process demonstrates that the Xiongnu alliance was established on the foundation of numerous small tribal groups, representing the integration of different kinship and historical cultural regions into a unified socio-economic and cultural zone.