Ancient coins in Luoyang City : Roles in Economy Society and Culture

Abstract

This study focuses on the history of ancient coins in Luoyang, especially its unique position and importance in ancient Chinese civilization. In Luoyang, as an ancient capital with a long history, its currency evolution has not only witnessed the social, economic and cultural changes of the city itself in different historical stages, but also is the epitome of the course of ancient Chinese civilization. Therefore, this study aims to comprehensively and systematically outline the historical context of Luoyang ancient coins, especially the changes from the Xia and Shang dynasties to the late Qing Dynasty. First of all, the paper deeply discusses the shape and type changes of ancient coins in different historical periods and the social, economic and cultural motivation behind them. This process not only backdates the development course of Luoyang currency, but also tries to interpret the function and significance of currency in various times. In addition, through the comprehensive evaluation of the existing ancient coin research in Luoyang, the current main research results and trends are summarized, and some obvious research gaps and limitations are also pointed out, hoping to provide a new thinking direction for the subsequent research. Considering the importance of the Tang Dynasty in Chinese history, this study further deepens the historical status, economic function and social and cultural influence of Luoyang currency in the Tang Dynasty. The Tang Dynasty is not only a cultural and economic peak in Chinese history, but also its monetary system and circulation mode are different from the previous and later dynasties. Therefore, the study of the currency of the Tang Dynasty will provide us with important clues about the social, economic and cultural characteristics of the Tang Dynasty. Through an in-depth analysis of the interaction between money and social culture, the research hopes to better explain the significance and influence of ancient coins in daily life, belief ceremony and artistic creation, as well as how they reflected and shaped the social and cultural environment at that time.

To achieve these research objectives, we adopted various methods, including literature review, material analysis, and interpretation of historical literature, in order to ensure the comprehensiveness and depth of the study. After in-depth research, we have obtained the following important discoveries about the history of ancient coins in Luoyang. After a comprehensive review of the historical context of Luoyang ancient coins from the Xia and Shang dynasties to the late Qing Dynasty, the study confirmed that the change of currency shape and type over time closely interacted with the social, economic and cultural environment at that time. Especially in some critical periods, such as the Warring States, Han, Tang, Song and Ming dynasties, the change of currency is often synchronized with the political change, economic development and social transformation, reflecting the macro-historical process of Luoyang and even the whole country. Through the comprehensive evaluation of the current research status, it is found that although the study of ancient coins in Luoyang has made remarkable progress in the past few decades, there are still some gaps and limitations in the study of some historical periods, especially in the Tang Dynasty. Further exploration of this specific period revealed the unique status and function of Luoyang currency in the Tang Dynasty. They not only played a key role economically, but also had a profound influence in cultural and social life, proving the importance of Tang currency in history. Further, the research deeply explores the interaction between money and social culture and reveals a novel scene for us. The use of ancient coins in daily life, its status in the ceremony of faith, as well as its symbolic significance in artistic creation, all proved that currency is not only an exchange tool, but also a historical symbol carrying social memory and cultural value. Especially in the Tang Dynasty, the interaction between the currency and the society, culture and religion of that time formed a rich historical picture scroll, providing us with a unique perspective on the life in Luoyang in the Tang Dynasty.

This study is of certain significance to monetary historians, archaeologists and social-cultural researchers. For monetary historians, through the evolution of Luoyang ancient coins, provides a systematic and comprehensive framework, help them more accurately understand the key period of Chinese monetary history, especially in the specific study of the tang dynasty currency, for researchers in the field of related to fill the existing knowledge blank. Archaeologists can use this study to conduct more targeted excavations of the sites in the Luoyang area. As an ancient capital, Luoyang is rich in underground cultural relics resources. Through the study of ancient coins, it can provide important clues and references for archaeological excavation, and help reveal more historical information. Moreover, for the social and cultural researchers, the research provides a new perspective to explore the social and cultural changes from the perspective of economy and currency. As a reflection of social culture, the change of money is closely related to the evolution of society, politics, economy and culture, which provides a enlightening research field for researchers.

In general, this research not only provides more research data and new research perspectives for the academic circle, but also provides strong support and reference for the protection of cultural heritage, education promotion and tourism development, and has a far-reaching impact on the promotion and inheritance of Chinese culture.

-