Preface to In Search of the Five Emperors Choyun Hsu（Xu Zhuoyun） Trans.by Shi Guoqiang

Preface to In Search of the Five Emperors Choyun Hsu（Xu Zhuoyun） Trans.by Shi Guoqiang

In his reexamination of the ancient history of China，Gu Jiegang proposed a theory of multi-layered stratification to explain how the traditional system was constructed in terms of the axis of time and space.On its surface，what Mr.Gu proposed shares some similarity with archaeological stratigraphy.But in archaeology，one layer is one layer.Even if each layer is distinguished by its own characteristics or demonstrates its own cultural origins，some continuity as well as new features inthe next layer still should appear for us to detect the changes taking place in the time span in-between to tell that there is a successive lineage to trace.

Mr.Guo Dashun’s exploration of the five emperors in Chinese history is entirely built upon archaeological evidence.That’s why he is able to integrate axis of time and space into clues to trace back ancient traditions.Since In Search of the Five Emperors is construed with convincing theory supported by solid evidence，it comes as no surprise that the Chinese version of this book is wellreceived with high compliment from colleagues and general readers.

Aided with clues from stratification and typology，Mr.Su Bingqi，investigating a massive data base of field Chinese archaeology，successfully construes his typological lineages of artifacts in given regions by which he illustrates that Neolithic cultures in China underwent constant contacts between multiple systems.During this process，reception，rejection，adaptation，and assimilation occurred.His outstanding typological theory presents a picture of repeatedly multi-level interactions in time and space.In my opinion，Mr.Su’s contribution provides not only a theory for Chinese archaeologists to explain what happened in China，but also a universal framework to explain cultural interactions elsewhere in the world.

Mr.GuoDashun wasMr.Su’sstudent.In Search of the Five Emperors is an application of Mr.Su’s archaeological theory to the study of legends.I was also inspired by Mr.Su’s theory when I introduce the uninterrupted development of Chinese history and cultures，and anticipate the future effects of globalization in my book The Rivers beyond Eternity （Wangu jianghe）of which an English version is now published by Columbia University Press as China：A New Cultural History.

Let’s turn back to “the five emperors.”As indicated by Mr.Guo’s research，these heroes of ancient legends must have their origins and each of these figures was connected in some way with the culture of a certain tribal group.Their stories and evolution thereof are narrated and analyzed in great detail in the book.Apart from the narrations，he may go one more step ahead and try to explain why the ancient people constructed again and again the systems of “the five emperors” in a way drastically different from one another.

There were many tribal groups in ancient times and each cultural system had its own cultural heroes who were worshipped as ancestors.During the process of constant assimilation and regrouping，these important images had to be reshaped in people’s memory so that new kinships between different parts could be constructed，or the reasons for rejection and adaptation demand explanation.Finally，as we all know，“Emperor Huangdi”was chosen to be the common ancestor for all the Chinese people and “Emperor Yandi came after”merely as a supporting figure to “Emperor Huangdi”!

Four or five thousand years ago，some of the once-flourished Neolithic cultures either came to a sudden decline or moved away from their settlements.But the seemingly less“glamorous”cultures on the Central Plains not only continued their existence，but also evolved into a core region in the years to come.More tribal groups came to this region where Xia，Shang，Zhou，“the Three Dynasties”，came into existence.This key region developed along the drainages of the Yellow River，with its western border beyond the Huashan Mountain and the seashore in the East.In this region stories about cultural heroes in different places prevailed to describe the successions of dominations by Yao，Shun，and Yu，and the wars launched by Tang and Wu.These stories are cited to “legitimize”the change of powers that once dominated this core region.The sequence of these cultures of this region thus can be traced.Yan and Huang were leaders of earlier groups while their challengers，such as Chi You and Gong Gong，were de－picted as challengers，and Hou Yi，the hero of Dongyi （east barbarians）in the “Xia”ancestry was dismissed and replaced by Shao Kang simply because he could secure the “legal” position of“Xia.”

I think that the differences of the “five emperors”systems that evolved from such a backdrop might lead people to “incorporate”those ancient culture groups into one “lineage” symbolized by these cultural heroes.These cultural groups were related to the core region，but did not belong directly to the same cultural tradition thereof.They were ranked in accordance within a construed hypothetical kinships network.So in the eastern tribal groups，the nearest to the core region，appeared the Dongyi Group represented by Tai Hao and Shao Hao，the sun worshippers，while Di Ku（Gaoyangshi） represented the eight clans of Zhurong who had originally settled in the north and some of whose descendants later moved to the regions of the Huaihe River and the Hanshui River，and as a great wizard between gods and humans，Zhuan Xu represented those who might have settled on the Bohai Plain.The Man Yue groups in the south and the Rong Di groups in the north，since their contacts and interactions with the core region only happened in later days，could only be placed in an enlarged common lineage as remote cousins.During the Warring Periods，and the Qin，and Han dynasties，the grid of legends was rearranged many times.They could have done it for the same reasons I mentioned above.

Mr.Guo has many new findings presented in the book for readers themselves to read and enjoy.Years ago the first edition of the book was published in Hong Kong.Now its mainland edition will certainly come as good news to archaeologists in China.Mr.Su has dedicated his whole life to constructing theoretical systems.From the classifications of the li tripods in his early years to his successful formulation of a remarkable theory on evolution of types of relics in given regions that leads to a methodology based upon phenomena of cultural diffusion as well as development，Mr.Su enriches Chinese archaeology with highlighted interpretations based on careful studies of concrete empirical data.I didn’t have the opportunity to have learned directly from his teaching.However，I have the pleasure to appreciate his profundity through his researches and of his students，among whom Dashun was one of the best.Dashun now published the book on Mr.Su’s centennial birthday，in order to benefit those readers who are not archaeologists.It is a celebration indeed!I feel honored to have prefaced the Chinese version of this book，for having an opportunity to take my hat off to the remarkable scholarships of both the Master and his worthy disciple.Now，I have such a pleasure，once again，to revise the preface translated into English.Without reading the translated text，there may be some disparity in terminology between the text and this preface.The responsibility，therefore，is mine.

Chinese preface：November 19，2009 English preface：February 5，2012

许倬云，美国匹兹堡大学史学系退休名誉教授，代表作为 《中国古代社会史论》、《汉代农业》、《西周史》、《万古江河》。

【译者简介】史国强，沈阳师范大学外国语学院教授。

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