Archaeological Perspectives on the Transmission Pathways and Cultural Impact of Laozhuang Thought in the Ancient World

Abstract

This article conducts an in-depth study on the dissemination routes of Lao-Zhuang thought (Daoist thought) in the ancient world and the evidence of cultural exchange found in archaeological discoveries, aiming to reveal how this Eastern philosophical thought crossed cultural and geographical boundaries, entered other civilizations through a complex historical process, and exerted profound influence. Lao-Zhuang thought originated in the pre-Qin period of China, and its core concepts such as "Dao", "wu wei" and "ziran" were not only widely spread in China but also disseminated outward through the land-based Silk Road, maritime Silk Road, as well as diplomatic, religious and cultural exchanges during subsequent historical developments. This article employs methods of literature analysis and archaeology to systematically review the archaeological discoveries and historical records from different regions, and explores the cross-cultural dissemination paths of Daoist thought and its influence on various civilizations in the ancient world.

The research first analyzed the development process of Chinese Daoism and the gradually formed philosophical system, and then discussed the ways through which it spread outward via the Silk Road and the Maritime Silk Road. Regarding the land Silk Road, the unearthed Daoist classics bamboo slips, silk fabrics and ceramic artifacts from Central Asia and Western Asia revealed signs of the dissemination of Daoist thought in these regions; regarding the maritime Silk Road, the unearthed Chinese ceramics, books and Daoist symbols from the coastal areas of Southeast Asia reflected the infiltration of Daoist thought into the local cultures. This article also examined the diplomatic exchanges between ancient China and neighboring countries and their promoting effects on the dissemination of Daoist thought, such as cultural envoys, academic exchange groups and religious travelers' activities, which together constituted multiple and multi-dimensional channels for the dissemination of Lao-Zhuang thought.

Based on an in-depth analysis of archaeological evidence, this paper explores the specific manifestations of Taoist elements in cultural relics, such as Taoist symbols in ceramic decorations, Taoist ideas in carved patterns, and Taoist elements reflected in artistic forms like paintings and sculptures. At the same time, this paper also studies the cultural exchange evidence discovered in tombs and architectural sites in Central Asia and Western Asia, and discusses how these evidence reflect the influence and interaction of Laozi and Zhuangzi thoughts on local philosophy, religion and social concepts. Moreover, this paper further analyzes the dissemination and influence of Laozi and Zhuangzi thoughts in Southeast Asia and other parts of Asia, and studies how religious beliefs and cultural practices in these regions accept, transform or reject Taoist thoughts, presenting diverse cultural adaptations and responses.

Based on the comprehensive study of these archaeological discoveries and evidence of cultural exchanges, this paper holds that the dissemination of Lao-Zhuang thought is not only a process of cross-cultural dissemination of philosophical ideas, but also a phenomenon reflecting the cultural integration and interaction among ancient world civilizations. The research shows that the paths of the dissemination of Daoist thought revealed in the archaeological discoveries and its profound influence profoundly reveal the complexity and diversity of ancient world thought dissemination. By re-examining this dissemination process, this paper provides a new perspective for understanding the historical influence and cultural role of ancient Chinese thought on a global scale, and offers rich research materials for further exploration of cultural exchanges and interactions among ancient civilizations.