Researches On The Bronze Spears Of Pre-Qin Period Excavated From North China

Researches on the Bronze Spears of Pre-Qin Period Excavated from North ChinaBronze spear is a kind of important weapon type in Bronze Age. It played a decisive role in wars of Pre-Qin Period and deeply influenced the process of civilization of ancient China. Bronze spear research is an important component part of ancient weapon history. This dissertation is a monographic study on bronze spears which also include Jichi (戟刺) and mould materials excavated from north China. Although this is an archaeological research, we also cite some research results of other subjects such as Chronology, Historical Literature, and Paleography. Except of using the traditional archaeological methods, we also apply the research concept of Contextual Archaeology to explore the social meaning of bronze spears.There are seven chapters in it. The first one is prolegomenon, and the last one is Conclusion. In the other five chapters we separately discuss the bronze spears of five grand periods which are Erlitou culture period, Early Shang period, Late Shang period, Western Zhou period and Eastern Zhou period. From chapter 2 to chapter 5 we use the same writing sequence which is type division, date and periodiation, region division, and relevant issues. In chapter 6 we separate culture areas at first, and then do the discussions in every culture area.Chapter 1, prolegomenonDefinite the object of study and its space -time category, and briefly review its research history.Chapter 2, Bronze spears of Erlitou periodIn this chapter, We consider the wide-leaf bronze spears with a hook excavated from Shenna Site of Xining and Xiawanggang Site of Xichuan belong to the same type which probably be produced in Qijia Culture area in Northwestern China. Their ingredient indicates that they are not exotic object.Chapter 3, Bronze spears of Early Shang DynastyIn this chapter, We consider the long willow leaf bronze spears are a kind of mixed type objects combined by bronze Ge(戈)and Axe(?)(斧).Chapter 4, Bronze spears of Late Shang DynastyBased on the bronze spears type division and archaeological culture periodiation, we divide three phases and three areas about it. We consider that there are not long-handle spears using in war chariots in this period.Chapter 5, Bronze spears of Western Zhou DynastyBased on the bronze spears type division and archaeological culture periodiation, we divide two phases and three areas about it. We consider long-handle spears are used in war chariot from this period. We consider the nail and hole handle-fixing system is a far-reaching invention.Chapter 6, Bronze spears of Eastern Zhou DynastyBased on the bronze spears type division and archaeological culture periodiation, we divide two phases about it. We consider分铸联装戟is a great invention which was firstly used in Qin culture area. And also discuss the interaction between different culture areas.Chapter 6, conclusionSummarize what have got from the research of bronze spears.