The British "Heritage**" recently announced the "Top 10 Most Influential Archaeological Discoveries of 2022", but China did not make the list.
The news sparked an enthusiastic response across the country, with a variety of comments appearing in an endless stream of comments that show the different views of Chinese internet users on the vote.
The list published by the United Kingdom focuses on new archaeological discoveries from around the globe, spanning thousands of years of history. But it is strange that in such a vast period, none of the archaeological sites in China are included in this list. This has also caused deep thought and questions among Chinese netizens, who have left messages online and expressed their unique opinions.
First of all, some netizens questioned the timing of the release of the leaderboard. This list shows archaeological excavations dating back about two thousand years, which makes the list even narrower.
Chinese netizens believe that China is a country with a long history, and this period is a relatively narrow period, which does not necessarily show all aspects of China's long culture. Some scholars believe that if we push back the ages, there must be more amazing things about Chinese archaeology.
Secondly, the focus of controversy over the specific content of the "list" is the cultural relics on display. The list includes works of art such as carvings and swords, but some of the Chinese excavations have focused more on everyday utensils and useful utensils.
This has also led some netizens to question the positioning of Western aesthetics, that is, to overemphasize art and ignore other aspects of life. Some netizens complained: "I found something amazing, I couldn't even find a set of clothes, it was like a rag." ”
In the comments of netizens, there are also many excellent performances of archaeological excavations in China. Chinese netizens cited the beast pit of Emperor Baling of the Han Dynasty, the Xixia kiln in Ningxia, the Kaifeng Zhou Bridge in Henan and its surrounding Bianhe ruins, and the Yin Ruins in Anyang, Henan, including the tombs of the Shang Dynasty, as a number of valuable cultural relics. The various works of art excavated in those places are priceless. Chinese archaeologists have made great efforts in excavation, preservation and research, and have left many valuable historical materials for the world.
Interestingly, some people have expressed contempt for Western archaeological research. Someone said: "South Korea is not even as good as South Korea, at least they will rob other people's things." ”
Such a playful tone reflects the arrogance and unreality of some people's suspicion of western archaeological research.
In addition, opinions on the protection and display of cultural relics have also become a hot topic among netizens. Some scholars believe that Chinese excavations focus more on the beauty and uniqueness of individuals than foreign archaeological excavations. This creates a conflict between two archaeological values.
Overall, Chinese netizens engaged in a heated debate in the UK poll, highlighting their insistence on local culture and their focus on archaeological research. Although this list is not conclusively authoritative, this incident has brought more inspiration to the study of archaeology in China.
China is a country with a long cultural tradition, and this debate gives us an opportunity to deepen our country's archaeological research. These statements on the Internet reflect the inheritance of "Western vision" and "vernacular" culture.
In the future, China's archaeological research will become bigger and bigger, and more amazing cultural relics will emerge, presenting a more complete historical map to the world. Perhaps, this controversy is like a "catalyst" that brings us to a broader perspective and a deeper understanding that this is a wonderful history of mankind.