The light of civilization, also known as one of the “four ancient civilizations”, “small asia” (which, although less directly used in modern academic practice, is usually understood to include the mesopotamia region, and today the sumer and babylonian civilizations in iraq) have, with their unique contributions, shaped the diversity and glory of human civilization. In 1900, liang kai, in the pacific song of the twentieth century, put forward this general idea, not only of the high recognition of the achievements of ancient civilizations, but also of the historical awareness of nations. However, as chinese archaeology has flourished in recent years, a series of major discoveries have not only enriched our understanding of our own history, but have also led to widespread discussion and questioning of the truth of other ancient civilizations, particularly ancient egypt, sumer, and ancient greek civilization, reflecting the awakening of cultural self-confidence in the context of globalization, the collision of historical ideas and the reflection of academic research methods。
The rise of chinese archaeology and the deepening of self-awareness
In recent years, china's archaeology community has achieved remarkable achievements, ranging from the oracle of the ruins of henan and yang to the horse of the qin emperor in shaanxian, and from the discovery of the city of zhejiang lianggyu to the mystery of the sanctuary of sichuan, every discovery has opened a door to ancient china's mysterious world, greatly enriching our understanding of the history of china's five thousand-year civilization. These findings not only confirm the historical events documented in the history books, but also reveal many historical cultural details and social structures, which enhance the pride and cultural self-confidence of the chinese nation。
The rise of the “comparison trap” in the information age and the “western pseudohistory”
At the moment of the information explosion, people are used to seeing the world in comparison. Each major discovery of chinese archaeology will inevitably be examined in the context of global civilization. As the glorious achievements of ancient chinese civilization were constantly revealed, some voices began to question certain accounts in the history of western civilizations such as ancient egypt, sumer and ancient greece, arguing that the historical records of those civilizations contained exaggerated, fictional and even false elements, thus introducing “western pseudohistory”. This challenge stems in part from the differences in understanding of the methods of historical study of civilizations, as well as possible misinterpretation and prejudice in the dissemination of information。
Differences and challenges in historical research methods
It is important to recognize that there are significant differences in the methods of historical research and the status of data preservation among civilizations. The historical records of ancient civilizations such as egypt, sumer and greece rely mainly on ancient literature, monuments, works of art and archaeological excavations, while the history of china has more extensive and continuous documentation, including formal history, wild history, notes, monuments, etc. This disparity has led to differences in research methods and focus, and has led to some historical details being blurred or asymmetrical in comparisons between civilizations。
Historical research is itself an ongoing process of revision and refinement, and many historical views previously considered conclusive are being re-examined and evaluated as archaeological technologies advance and interdisciplinary research deepens. This dynamic makes any absolute expression of history untenable and provides a living ground for questioning voices such as “western pseudohistory”。
Iv. Balancing cultural self-confidence with academic criticalism
In the face of the question of “western hypocrisy”, we should remain sober and rational. On the one hand, cultural self-confidence is an important force underpinning the progress of a people, but self-confidence does not amount to arrogance, let alone blind exclusion and rejection of other civilizations. Academic criticism, on the other hand, is a necessary condition for the advancement of science, but it should be based on a full understanding of and respect for the facts, and avoid falling into unfounded speculation and speculation。
With regard to the authenticity of western civilizations such as ancient egypt, sumer and ancient greece, we should conduct research and analysis through a more scientific and rigorous approach. This includes strengthening international cooperation and exchange, sharing archaeological resources and research results, promoting interdisciplinary research, using modern scientific and technological means to improve the accuracy and depth of historical research, and strengthening historical education and public history literacy and identification。
The flourishing of chinese archaeology is not only an expression of chinese cultural self-confidence, but also a common cultural asset for all humankind. In an increasingly globalized world, we should recognize and understand the history and culture of civilizations with a more open and inclusive mindset. The ancient egyptian pyramid, the sumerian wedge, the ancient greek philosophy... These are the treasures of human civilization, worthy of our shared values and heritage。
The challenge of western pseudohistory, while reflecting some of the problems and challenges of current historical research, also provides us with an opportunity for reflection and progress. By strengthening academic exchanges and cooperation, promoting the innovation and refinement of historical research methods, and improving the public's historical literacy and discernment, we can better cross time and space to achieve dialogue and understanding among civilizations and to build together a better future for the community of human destiny。
