Chinese Astroarchaeology

This book systematically examines Chinese astroarchaeology from the Neolithic period onward, aiming to reconstruct premodern knowledge systems and articulate the intellectual foundations of traditional Chinese culture. As an interdisciplinary field, Chinese astroarchaeology explores cosmological frameworks and the origins of civilization in ancient China. The book unveils the remarkable astronomical accomplishments of the ancient Chinese and investigates the interplay between science, technology, and traditional culture. It also discusses how the origins of astronomy relate to the origins of civilization itself. Drawing on archaeological excavations, ancient artifacts, and historical documents, the study integrates research methods and findings from archaeology, paleography, the study of ancient literature, ethnology, and astronomy. Taking a theoretical and practical approach, the book establishes a framework for Chinese astroarchaeology, opening new avenues for studying the origins of Chinese civilization and providing insights into ancient Chinese political, religious, philosophical, and scientific history. The book will appeal to scholars and students of ancient Chinese history, the history of science, archaeology, astroarchaeology, art history, and cultural heritage studies.

Feng Shi, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and a first-class professor, mainly focuses on the fields of ancient Chinese characters and astronomical archaeology. He also studies Shang and Zhou archaeology, pre-Qin history, ancient intellectual history, and the history of science and technology.

1. Introduction to Astroarchaeology 2. Astronomy and Human Culture in Ancient Times 3. Ancient Observations of Celestial Phenomena for Time Service 4. Ancient Astronomical Instruments 5. Records of Odd Celestial Phenomena 6. Study of the Origin of the Constellation Phenomena 7. Early Cosmological Models