The Early Medieval China Group was formed to promote and further the study and understanding of the Early Medieval period in East Asia. The group provides a channel of communication between all those interested in early medieval China and facilitates the exchange of ideas and promotion of scholarly cooperation in this field.
Furthermore, the group supports the commission, editing, and printing of publications in the pursuit of our scholarly, educational, and scientific goals.
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Latest News and Updates
Northern Wei imperial altar discovered in Inner Mongolia
In Inner Mongolia's Wuchuan County 武川县, archaeologists have discovered a Northern Wei imperial altar that was probably constructed between 430-490 CE. This is the first time that a Northern Wei imperial altar has been found. The site was discovered in the 1980s, but its excavation only began in 2019. The altar was used by Northern Wei emperors to perform sacrifices to Heaven, or 天. At the site, archaeologists have uncovered the remains of a round building; its interior diameter is 15.5 meters, while its exterior diameter is 32.5 meters. Within the building remains a small amount of sacrificial pottery has been found. Two round pens for holding sacrificial animals have also been identified. The excavating archaeologists believe the site shows the influence of both steppe and Chinese traditions of offering sacrifices.
Tuvan Cemetery reveals evidence on violence in the Early Common Era in a nomadic community
From a cemetery in the Republic of Tuva in Southern Siberia, archaeologists have unearthed the skeletons of 87 individuals from lived between the 2nd to fourth century CE. An analysis of the skeletons determined that 25% died of violence. Most probably due to hand-to-hand combat. There was also evidence of which ritualist violence, such as scalping and throat-slitting.