Archaeological Studiy on Iron Works before 3rd Century A.D.in China
by Bai Yunxiang
Science Press, Beijing, 2005
Iron is among the richest minerals on the earth. The invention of iron-smelting technique and the emergence of the iron works are the two epoch-making progresses in the history of mankind, which states a new era---the Iron Age. China ix one of the earliest countries in the world to invent and utilize iron works. The ancient Chinese began iron-smelting independently and made a direct impact on the coming of the Iron Age of East Asia. The Pre-Qin-Han Period before the 3rd century is the important period for iron-smelting and iron works from occurrence through preliminary development to flourishment Though archaeological discoveries of iron works and iron –smelting remains increase day by day, the systematic research is lacking. The study of the iron works and iron–smelting remains of the Pre-Qin-Han Period is a blan page in archaeological study.
The present book includes eight chapters.
Chapter I, Introduction
Chapter II, the origin and initial development of iron-smelting in China.
Chapter III, the archaeological discoveries and typological research on the iron works of the Warring State Period.
Chapter IV, the application of the iron works of the Warring States Period and the initial form of ancient iron works industry.
Chapter V, the archaeological discoveries of iron work in the Qin –Han Period and their typological research.
Chapter VI, the application of iron works in the Qin-Hang Period and the comprehensive development of iron industry.
Chapter VII, the relationship between iron works and social history and cultural in the Pre-Qin-Han Period.
Chapter VIII, the discussion of the theory and prospect on the study of ancient Chinese iron works.