英文摘要 |
There exists a dearth in archaeological data on the South China Sea area. The author has conducted an archaeological survey of the Dongsha (Practus) Island and Nansha Taiping Islands of Spratly Isles within the frame of a research project. This paper reports the results of this preliminary survey, and consists of the following five chapters: I. Introduction: an account of the genesis and scope of the project. II. Historical Background of the Development of the South China Sea Area: literary sources on the four phases of development of the Chinese in the area. III. An Archaeological Survey of the Dongsha Island: based on an investigation of the ecological environment, and the process of development of the islands, as well as previously discovered artefacts, the author has successively conducted three surveys of the islands, and discovered the ''Dongsha Ruins'' site. Within the site, objects such as porcelain shreds, pottery, charcoal, iron nails, ironware, as well as shells and guano, have been uncovered, indicating that these are the remnants of activity of Chinese fisherfolk. IV. An Archaeological Survey of the Nansha Taiping Island: based on an investigation of historical material on the ecological environment, and the process of development of the island, the author has previously conducted a reconnaissance survey of the entire island surface. While the author has discovered ceramic shreds and other remnants at seven different localities, these remains should all be dated to recent times. The island has further preserved Ch'ing dynasty graves, as well as Japanese remains from WWII, such as a broken stone tablet. V. Conclusion. |