(In this broader usage, Shang includes the Shang mentioned in early Chinese writings, once thought to be entirely legendary or mythic. In the case of the SHANG, the word is also used by archaeologists and historians to describe the civilizations of the same period. Archaeologists and historians break up much of China’s history according to these different vįamilies of rulers. THE SHANG The word dynasty refers to the ruler of a country and his or her successors, generally chosen from his or her descendants. Symbols have been found on the remains of their pottery that archaeologists believe indicated different clans or connected families. Archaeological sites along the YELLOW RIVER (Huang Ho in Chinese) show that the early Chinese in this area had thriving industries of pottery, cloth making, and farming. The Neolithic Age-sometimes called the end of the Stone Age-started in China perhaps 5,000 years ago. (Peking is an old way of saying Beijing, the capital city of China.) Peking man’s offspring eventually turned from hunting to farming as a way of life. Named “Peking man” in honor of the city near where the remains were found, this forerunner of present-day Homo sapiens sapiens roamed China between 400,000 and 200,000 years ago. FIRST CIVILIZATIONS One of humankind’s oldest ancestors, Homo erectus, was discovered in China during the early part of the 20th century. Even today, as the stories are told to a new generation, the tellers transform them in the very process of preserving them- one more reminder that myths and mythmaking are a vital part of the human experience. This long history has produced a tapestry of interwoven myths, religious stories, legends, and folk beliefs, which have all changed over time. So it is not surprising that China has a long history, rich with events and achievements. When Europe was struggling to recover from the Dark Ages, China was outfitting merchant vessels to sail across the oceans. When Rome was still young, China’s ancestors were wrestling with the problems of governing an empire as populous and diverse as any ever known. Its rich river valleys have hosted civilizations for thousands and thousands of years. It has grasslands and deserts, a long coastline, and some of the highest mountains in the world. INTRODUCTION China covers nearly 4 billion square miles in Asia, roughly 14 percent of the world’s landmass. Also I would like to thank Dorothy Cummings my editor, Jeff Soloway Lauren Goldberg and everyone else at Facts On File who helped prepare this volume. Toro Cover design by Cathy Rincon Map by Jeremy Eagle Printed in the United States of America VB Hermitage 10ĪCKNOWLEDGMENTS I wish to thank my wife, Debra Scacciaferro, for her help in researching and preparing this book. You can find Facts On File on the World Wide Web at Text design by Joan M. Please call our Special Sales Department in New York at (212) 967-8800 or (800) 322-8755. BL1825.R575 2004 299.5′1′03-dc22 2004005341 Facts On File books are available at special discounts when purchased in bulk quantities for businesses, associations, institutions, or sales promotions. cm.-(Mythology A–Z) Includes bibliographical references and index. 132 West 31st Street New York NY 10001 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Roberts, Jeremy, 1956– Chinese mythology A to Z: a young reader’s companion / by Jeremy Roberts.-1st ed. For information contact: Facts On File, Inc. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher. Chinese Mythology A to Z Copyright © 2004 by Jim DeFelice All rights reserved.
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