Song Yuan Ming Archeology

The History of Chinese Archaeology

Chinese archaeology is a branch of anthropology that studies the prehistory and history of the region known as The Middle Kingdom. It encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including classical Chinese language and culture, history, material culture, historical geography, and anthropology. The most important aspect of Chinese archaeology is the study of ancient Chinese settlements. Through archaeological excavations, researchers have been able to trace a variety of lifestyles and developments throughout Chinese history.

The beginnings of Chinese archaeology can be traced back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279). During this time, the imperial court sponsored archaeological explorations in order to record and study the relics that were left behind by the dynasties and kingdoms which had once occupied China. For the first time, scholars were able to uncover the remains of cities and other settlements that had been forgotten for centuries.

The Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) saw the emergence of new archaeological techniques. Due to the Chinese faith in the power of their ancestors, many of the Ming Dynasty tombs were excavated in order to study the subjects of ancestor worship, funerary rituals, and afterlife practices. During this period, Chinese explorers also began to venture further afield in search of buried relics. They soon uncovered the remains of ancient civilizations in the cities of Lhasa, Chang’an, and Kunming, as well as in present-day Mongolia, Manchuria, Korea, and Japan.

The Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) marked an important breakthrough in Chinese archaeology. During this time, the imperial palace established the Imperial Academy of Ancient Studies in order to better catalogue and study the artifacts they had discovered. The Academy set up the first regulations and standards for Chinese archaeology and collected the discoveries of Chinese explorers and scholars from around the world.

By the early 20th century, Chinese archaeology had entered a new phase. With the advent of scientific excavations, scholars began to systematically study remains in order to answer questions about political power, economic and social structures, and religious beliefs. Archaeologists also started to look beyond China, studying civilizations and settlements in South and Southeast Asia, the Near East, and even Europe.

Today, Chinese archaeologists are discovering and studying ancient archaeological sites around the world. Their work is informing both anthropological and historical research and providing new insights into the cultural, religious and technological advances that occurred throughout Chinese history. Chinese archaeologists are now part of a much larger international community of archaeologists, working collaboratively in order to uncover the secrets of the past.

The Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties span a period of the most important changes and developments in Chinese history. As such, their exploration offers important insights into Chinese culture, society and economy in this period.

Song dynasty archaeology originated during the Northern Song Dynasty and lasted until the late 13th century Ming dynasty. Through this period various archaeological sites were discovered and excavated, including the Old Summer Palace in Beijing, the Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and Imperial City of Nanjing. Through these sites, scholars discovered material objects and documents recovered from burial, vaults, tombs, temples, fortifications and even in living quarters.

In addition to these excavation sites, archaeologists have discovered an abundance of artifacts, including pottery,, jewelery, clothing, sculptures and manuscripts. These artifacts are not only valuable historically, but they also served to shed light upon the beliefs and customs of the time, often providing a look into areas like daily life in the Song court, and the trade and commerce between cities.

Archaeologists have also shed much light on the economy of the period by examining unearthed coins, along with documents attesting to government policies, merchants’ accounts and death records. As a result, scholars have developed a much clearer picture of how Song dynasty markets and taxation policies operated, and how Chinese currency differed from that employed in the west.

Song dynasty archaeology has also given scholars a better understanding of Chinese art and philosophy during the period. By examining artifacts, artists were able to trace the development of painting, porcelain and calligraphy from Song painting to Yuan paintings. At the same time, important texts such as the Book of Changes and Hua Shu provide much needed insight into the philosophical frameworks of the period.

In sum, Song dynasty archaeology is key for understanding the pivotal points of Chinese history. Through careful and dedicated excavations, archaeologists have uncovered a wealth of information that has shaped the way we view this period.