Geographic perspective on the origin of Chinese civilization
Geographic environment has exerted profound effect on the origin and evolution of world civilizations.Chinese civilization budded and evolved on a vast and varied territory between Yellow and Yangtze rivers,and has been thus deeply affected by the local geographic conditions.But it has been hardly seen to explore the origin of Chinese civilization from the perspective of geography.On the basis of integrated scientific investigation in China's north-south transitional zone,geographic analysis of Neolithic culture distribution and interpretation of pre-Qin and Qin-Han ancient literature,the conclusions can be drawn as follows:(1)The early agriculture pattern of"Rice in the south and millet in the north"and the ancient astronomy formed before about 8000 years were the background for Chinese civilization.The geographic distribution of Neolithic Dadiwan,Yangshao,Majiayao and Longshan culture sites showed that the earliest civilization elements appeared in the upper reaches of West-Hanshui and Weihe rivers,with a spatial trend of spreading toward east.(2)The West Qinling Mts.region,located between the Tibetan Plateau and the Jialing River,especially its inner Chenghui and Xili basins,being characterized by superior natural conditions and resources,is closely related to the three major mysteries concerning the origin of Chinese civilization,i.e.,the main areas of the ancient Di and Qiang ethnic groups,the location of ancient Kunlun Mts.,and the site of Dayu water control.(3)The Qin ethnic group stepped onto the stage of history by assisting Dayu in water control,and in their history of multiple ups and downs,built the grand water control projects in ancient China,such as the Dujiangyan Irrigation Project,Zhengguo Canal,Lingqu Canal,etc.,and pioneered the time of"Books with the same text"and"County system",forming the main line of the origin and early evolution of Chinese civilization.(4)The West Qinling areas are still basically a"blind zone"in archaeological and historical research.It is highly recommended to conduct systematic and in-depth archaeological and historical research in this region so as to realize the breakthrough in the exploration of the origin of Chinese civilization as soon as possible.
origin of Chinese civilizationWest Qinling Mts.West Hanshui RiverCheng-Hui basinancient Kunlun Mts
万方数据
维普
