Ancient China and the Yue

Abstract

In this innovative study, Erica Brindley examines how, during the period 400 BCE–50 CE, Chinese states and an embryonic Chinese empire interacted with peoples referred to as the Yue/Viet along its southern frontier. Brindley provides an overview of current theories in archaeology and linguistics concerning the peoples of the ancient southern frontier of China, the closest relations on the mainland to certain later Southeast Asian and Polynesian peoples. Through analysis of warring states and early Han textual sources, she shows how representations of Chinese and Yue identity invariably fed upon, and often grew out of, a two-way process of centering the self while de-centering the other. Examining rebellions, pivotal ruling figures from various Yue states, and key moments of Yue agency, Brindley demonstrates the complexities involved in identity formation and cultural hybridization in the ancient world and highlights the ancestry of cultures now associated with southern China and Vietnam.

Study of spatial urban mapping: The case study of ancient Guangzhou

“…Before the Qin invasion, while the development and footprint of imperial China were concentrated around the Central Plain, Guangzhou was not occupied by the "Chinese" but instead by the "Bai -Yue" tribe. 3 A local tribe that is native to the area since the medieval.…”

“…At the greater scale (figure 4.11-4.12), the location of the kingdom was situated in near isolation from Northern China, both physically and politically. 3 The physical separation in both distance and geographical boundary has offered the advantage for the Kingdom to be protected away from any possible invasive intentions. 3 As illustrated in figure 3.18 and 4.13, the northern boundary of the In isolation, the transportation routes within the province was a gift of nature.…”

“…3 The physical separation in both distance and geographical boundary has offered the advantage for the Kingdom to be protected away from any possible invasive intentions. 3 As illustrated in figure 3.18 and 4.13, the northern boundary of the In isolation, the transportation routes within the province was a gift of nature. Guangzhou was interconnected to all directions by the North, West and East River (Figure3.23).…”

“…This continued to be remained as the case till the construction of LingQu (Figure 3.24), a man-made river that connected the West River to the lower portion of YangTze River. 3 The construction of this artificial river has allowed maritime vessels to travel from north to south, which, in no surprise, the end of its trip is the arrival Pearl River Delta, Guangzhou (map 4.11).…”

“…Even though the identity of the NanYue Kingdom is not covered under the name of imperial Han, but with its Qin background, it was not doubted that its background is extended from the Chinese culture. 3 In this period (figure 4.19), the general settlement footprint of Guangzhou could be seen as two major bodies, the porting quarter on the north-western corner and the Nan Yue palace that is directly south of the Yuexiu Mountain. 16 This reference of mountain has followed the principle of…”