Research on Newly Discovered Han State Measuring Instruments and Related Issues in Yongliang Ancient City
The ancient city of Yongliang,initially established during the Spring and Autumn period,is located in Yuzhou City,Henan Province.Between 2006 and 2008,extensive archaeological excavations were carried out at this ancient site to support the South-to-North Water Diversion Project.Consequently,a significant number of artifacts dating from the Eastem Zhou Dynasty to the Han Dynasty were unearthed during this period.Among the numerous unearthed pottery pieces,7 have been identified as measuring vessels,of which 6 have stamped or engraved inscriptions,such as"二年雍氏","公","二/半","黄向之敦",etc.These inscriptions provide important clues for studying the contemporary weighing and measuring system,management mechanism,and historical geographical issues.In the late Warring States period,Han State's measuring system was likely transitioning towards standardization,with capacity units in different regions beginning to converge.At the same time,privately owned measuring instruments also showed signs of official supervision and regulation,reflecting the development of the social economy at that time and the increasing demand for standardization of measurement systems.
The Ancient City of YongliangHan StatePottery-Made Measuring Instruments