The Research On Weights And Measures In The Han Dynasty

· The Han Dynasty was a critical period for the development of Weights and Measures in ancient China.During this period,a system of Weights and Measures was basically formed,and a large number of Weights and Measures were issued to the whole country by the authorities,which left a great influence on the development of Weights and Measures in later generations.The research on Weights and Measures in the Han Dynasty,after paying attention to the basic issues such as the names of instruments and unit values,began to explore the social problems reflected by measuring instruments.At present,it has become a trend to study Weights and Measures in the Han Dynasty by combining archaeological and historical methods.but there is still room for discussion.In addition,there is not enough discussion on the archaeological context of Weights and Measures.This paper not only elaborates on the shape and structure characteristics and the background of Weights and Measures in the Han Dynasty,but also links the unearthed objects with the context and society at that time.Standing on historical archaeology,the paper further discusses its functions and the relationship with social politics and economy.Currently,the research on balances of the Xin is still not enough.The bronze plates and weighting apparatus of the Xin unearthed in the capital of the state Zhu 2017 provide precious materials for the study on Weigghts and Measures and reforms of Wang Mang.This paper will comprehensively elaborate these wares and discuss its form,functions,significance and other issues.In order to achieve the above purposes,this paper is divided into the following parts:· Part one:Introduction.This chapter briefly introduces the reason for selected topic,the research ideas and methods,then comprehensively reviews the research history of Weights and Measures in Han Dynasty.As the institution of Qin was inherited by the Han Dynasty,scholar tend to consider two stages as one part,so this paper also involves research history of Weights and Measures in the Qin Dynasty.Finally,this chapter will point out weaknesses of current research.· Part two:Study on the rmlers in the Han Dynasty.This chapter will first introduce the rulers unearthed of Han Dynasty.Then user's identities of the Western Han Dynasty,the classification of rulers in the Eastern Han Dynasty and relationship between nulers and women spinning activities are further diSscussed,in order to explore indications of gender bias and social differentiation may exist in rulers.· The part three:study on Scales and Weights in the Xin Dynasty.This chapter first makes a detailed description of the unearthed situation and shape of the weighing apparatus and bronze weight chao and huo in the Xin period.The bronze weight chao and huo unearthed in Zou Chang are the focus of this chapter.With the help of this set of artifacts,this paper reinstated the Hu in the Xin Dynasty,which currently has no real object.Finally this chapter will analyze the reform of the Xin s coinage system and the issuance system of Weights and Measures at that time.· Part four:Study on Weights and Measures unearthed in the capital of Zhu under archaeological context.This chapter mainly discusses the relationship between newly unearthed Xin s weighting and measuring apparatuses and its unearthed background,analyzes it function in Zou County of the Han Dynasty.This set of artifacts is close to the excavation area in 2015.Based on archaeological relics,relics and historical documents,this chapter discusses the nature of the excavation area in 2015 and 2017 respectively,and analyzes the relationship between the two regions further,trying to confirm the function of these artifacts in this region.· Part five:Conclusion.The conclusions of the previous parts are summarized,and shortcomings of this paper and the prospect of future work are briefly described.