Why is China called one of the world's oldest civilizations when China didn't exst as a kingdom before 221BC?

为什么中国被称为世界上最古老的文明之一，中国在公元前221年之前并不是一个王国？

以下是Quora网友的评价：

Peter Ole Kvint

If China is only 2240 years old. Which other countries have exsted for more than 2240 years?

如果中国只有2240年的历史。那么你倒是说说还有哪些国家的历史超过了2240年？

Halfman Huang

Of course China is a kingdom before 221BC.

Qin Shi Huang was the first emperor of China but not the first central monarch of China, King Qi of ia Dynasty was, and that was 2,070 BC.

During the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, it was still nominally the Zhou Dynasty, although the Zhou royal family was no longer able to control the feudal lords during that time. So nominally, China in that time was still one kingdom but with lots of feudel lords in wars on each others, pretty similar to the HRE.

中国在公元前221年之前当然已经是一个王国啦。

秦始皇是中国的第一个皇帝，但不是中国的第一个中央君主。夏齐王是中国的第一个中央君主，那是公元前2070年的事。

在春秋战国时期，虽然周王室已经无力控制封建领主，但名义上仍然是周朝。所以名义上，当时的中国仍然是一个王国，但有很多封建领主相互战争，与神圣罗马帝国非常相似。

Waseem Ijaz

Paragraph 1: China is often regarded as one of the world's oldest civilizations, not because the modern nation-state of China exsted, but due to the rich history and cultural legacy that dates back thousands of years. The roots of Chinese civilization can be traced to the ia Dynasty, which is said to have begun around 2070 BCE. While it's true that the political entity of China as we know it did not exst until the Qin Dynasty in 221 BCE, the historical continuity of the region's culture, language, and societal structures is what justifies its classification as an ancient civilization.

中国常被视为世界上最古老的文明之一，并不是因为现代这个单一民族国家的存在，而是因为中国拥有数千年的丰富历史和文化遗产。中华文明的起源可以追溯到夏朝，据说夏朝开始于公元前2070年左右。虽然中国的政治实体直到公元前221年的秦朝才存在，但该地区文化、语言和社会结构的历史连续性证明了它可以被称为古代文明的理由。

Father of History

China is considered one of the world's oldest civilizations because it has a continuous cultural and historical tradition that can be traced back over 4,000 years. While the unified state of China, as we know it today, was not established until 221 BC under the Qin dynasty, there were various Neolithic cultures and early civilizations that flourished in the region long before that.

中国被认为是世界上最古老的文明之一，因为中国有着绵延不绝的文化和历史传统，可以追溯到4000多年前。虽然我们今天所知道的统一的中国直到公元前221年秦朝才得以建立，但在此之前，该地区就出现了各种新石器时代的文化和早期文明。

The ia Dynasty (c. 2070-1600 BC): The ia Dynasty is the first dynasty recorded in Chinese history, though its exstence is still debated among historians. However, archaeological evidence suggests that there was a complex and advanced civilization in the Yellow River Valley during this period.

夏朝(约公元前2070-1600年)：夏朝是中国历史上记载的第一个朝代，尽管历史学家对它的存在仍有争议。但考古证据表明，在这一时期，黄河流域确实出现了一个复杂而先进的文明。

The Shang Dynasty (c. 1600-1046 BC): The Shang Dynasty is the first dynasty for which there is indisputable archaeological evidence. The Shang people were skilled bronze workers, and they left behind a rich legacy of artifacts, including oracle bones, bronze vessels, and jade carvings.

商朝(公元前1600-公元前1046年)：商朝是第一个拥有无可争辩的考古证据的朝代。商朝人是熟练的青铜工匠，他们留下了丰富的文物遗产，包括甲骨文、青铜器和玉雕。

The Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC): The Zhou Dynasty was a long and influential period in Chinese history. The Zhou people introduced a number of important innovations, including the feudal system and the idea of the Mandate of Heaven.

周朝(公元前1046-256年)：周朝是中国历史上一个漫长而有影响力的时期。周朝人引入了许多重要的创新，包括封建制度和天命的观念。

The Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) unified China under a single ruler for the first time. The Qin dynasty was short-lived, but it had a profound impact on Chinese history. The Qin standardized the writing system, currency, and weights and measures. They also built the Great Wall of China, which is one of the most iconic structures in the world.

秦朝(公元前221-206年)第一次将中国统一在一个统治者之下。秦朝虽然短暂，但对中国历史产生了深远的影响。秦朝规范了文字系统、货币和度量衡，还建造了中国的长城，这是世界上最具标志性的建筑之一。

The Han dynasty (206 BC-220 AD) is considered one of the golden ages of Chinese history. The Han Dynasty expanded China's territory and established a strong central government. The Han people were also skilled in arts, literature, and technology.

汉朝(公元前206年-公元220年)被认为是中国历史上的黄金时代之一。汉朝扩大了中国的疆土，建立了一个强大的中央政府。汉人在艺术、文学和技术方面也很熟练。

Throughout these dynasties and periods, China developed a unique culture and way of life that has endured for centuries. Chinese civilization is characterized by its emphasis on family, education, and social harmony. It has also made significant contributions to art, literature, philosophy, science, and technology.

While the unified state of China did not exst until 221 BC, the cultural and historical traditions that define Chinese civilization can be traced back to much earlier periods. China's long and rich history makes it one of the most fascinating and influential civilizations in the world.

在这些朝代和时期，中国逐渐发展了一种独特的文化和生活方式，并延续了很多世纪。中华文明的特点是重视家庭、教育和社会和谐，在艺术、文学、哲学、科学和技术方面也作出了重大贡献。

虽然统一的中国直到公元前221年才形成，但中国文明的文化和历史传统可以追溯到更早的时期。中国悠久而丰富的历史使其成为世界上最具魅力和影响力的文明之一。

Sophia Leete

Very strange question you are asking. Emperor in united the kingdoms at 221BC, not created a kingdom. Let me disclose some Chinese history info.—-Liao civilization, Yangtze civilization (c. 8500–2000BC), Ancient ia kingdom(c. 2070 - c. 1600 BC) Shang (c. 1600 - c. 1046 BC) Zhou (c. 1046 - c. 256 BC) Western Zhou (1046-771 BC) Eastern Zhou (771-256 BC) Spring and Autumn (c. 770 - c. 476 BC). For a while there were many kingdoms exsted as constant warring state but first time as united as one country was 221BC as I mentioned. These dynasties were not just tribes but separate kingdoms. Look at the size of the country. Many other civilizations like Israel they were tribes during Abraham time, just look at the map how small old kingdoms were Syria, Jordan. Greeks had separate kingdoms like China, constantly fighting to conquer each other too. I guess Alexander Great united whole country or his father Phillip?

你问的问题很奇怪。公元前221年秦朝是将各个王国统一成了中国，并非新建一个王国。我可以介绍一下中国的历史—大辽文化、长江文化(约公元前8500 - 2000年)、夏(约公元前2070年-1600年)，商朝(公元前1600年-公元前1046年)，周(公元前1046-公元前256年)，西周(公元前1046-771年)，东周(公元前771-256年)，春秋(公元前770 -公元前476年)。

许多王国曾经长期混战，但在公元前221年第一次实现统一，正如我提到的。这些王朝不仅仅是部落，而是独立的王国。看看这个国家的领土面积。许多其他文明，比如以色列，在亚伯拉罕时期都还只是部落，看看地图，叙利亚，约旦都是小王国。希腊人和中国一样，也有很多独立的王国，相互征伐，应该是亚历山大大帝或者是他父亲菲利普统一了整个国家吧？

Patrick S

China, known as one of the world’s oldest civilizations, indeed has a fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. While it is true that China did not exst as a unified kingdom before 221 BC, this does not diminish its status as an ancient civilization. To understand why China is considered one of the oldest civilizations, we need to delve into its rich past.

中国，作为世界上最古老的文明之一，确实拥有可以追溯到几千年前的迷人历史。虽然中国在公元前221年之前没有作为一个统一的王国存在，但这并不影响它作为一个古代文明的地位。想理解为什么中国被认为是最古老的文明之一，我们就需要深入研究它丰富的过去。

The story of China’s civilization begins long before the establishment of a unified kingdom. Archaeological evidence suggests that human settlement in the region can be traced back to at least 1.7 million years ago. The early inhabitants of this land developed their own unique cultures, languages, and ways of life. They laid the foundation for the civilization that would emerge centuries later.

中国文明的故事早在统一王国建立之前就开始了。考古证据表明，人类在该地区的定居至少可以追溯到170万年前。这块土地上的早期居民形成了自己独特的文化、语言和生活方式。他们为几个世纪后出现的文明奠定了基础。

It was during the Neolithic period, around 10,000 years ago, that agricultural practices began to flourish in the Yellow River Valley. This marked a significant milestone in human development, as people transitioned from a nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle to settled farming communities. The advancements made during this era in pottery, weaving, and other crafts laid the groundwork for the sophisticated culture that would follow.

大约在一万年前的新石器时代，黄河流域的农业开始蓬勃发展。这标志着人类发展的一个重要里程碑，因为人们开始从游牧、狩猎、采集的生活方式过渡到定居的农业社区。在这一时期，陶器、编织和其他工艺的进步为随后的复杂文化奠定了基础。

Over time, these disparate communities gradually coalesced into regional states. These states, such as the Shang and Zhou dynasties, exsted alongside each other, with varying degrees of political power and influence. Despite their lack of centralization, these states shared common cultural traits, including a writing system, religious beliefs, and artistic styles. It is through these shared elements that we can identify the continuity of Chinese civilization throughout its early history.

随着时间的推移，这些不同的社区逐渐合并成地区国家。这些国家，如商朝和周朝，彼此并存，具有不同程度的政治权力和影响。尽管这些国家缺乏中央，但它们有着共同的文化特征，包括文字系统、宗教信仰和艺术风格。正是通过这些共同的元素，我们才能确定中华文明在其早期历史中的连续性。

The unification of China under the Qin Dynasty in 221 BC, led by the first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, is often regarded as a turning point in Chinese history. It brought together various warring states and established a centralized government, standardizing laws, currency, and writing systems. This event marked the begng of imperial China, which endured for over two millennia.

公元前221年，秦始皇领导的秦朝统一了中国，这是中国历史上的一个转折点。秦朝把各个战国联合在一起，建立了一个中央的政府，规范了法律、货币和文字系统。这一事件标志着中国帝制的开始，延续了两千多年。

While the unification of China under a single kingdom was a pivotal moment, it is important to recognize that the civilization that emerged was built upon the foundations laid by countless generations before. The diverse cultures, technological advancements, and philosophical ideas that had evolved over centuries all contributed to the unique identity of ancient China.

虽然中国统一是一个关键时刻，但我们必须认识到，此时的文明是建立在无数代前人奠定的基础之上的。几个世纪以来，多元文化、科技进步和哲学思想的发展造就了古代中国的独特之处。

Furthermore, the impact of ancient Chinese civilization cannot be overstated. From the invention of paper and gunpowder to the development of silk and the compass, Chinese innovations have shaped the course of human history. The philosophical teachings of Confucius and Laozi continue to resonate today, influencing moral and ethical systems around the world.

此外，中国古代文明的影响十分重大。从造纸术和火药的发明，到丝绸和指南针的发展，中国的创新塑造了人类历史的进程。孔子和老子的哲学教义今天仍能产生共鸣，影响着世界各地的道德和伦理体系。

Doyle Drake

That might be a wrong question. According to knowledge I know from the video game” Crusader Kings”, China had established its first empire dynasty Qin at the year of 221BC. Before that, countless kingdoms had already rised and fallen in China for over thousand years.

这个问题可能搞错了。根据我从电子游戏“十字军之王”中了解到的知识，中国在公元前221年建立了第一个帝国王朝秦朝。在此之前，数千年来，中国已经出现过无数次的王国兴衰了。

Eugenio Orlandi

According to historical sources and archeological evidence the oldest civilizations flourished in Egypt and in Mesopotamia more than 5,000 years ago. According to historical sources and archeological evidence the Chinese civilization is at least one thousand years younger compared to Egypt and Sumer. It is also true that the Egyptian and the Sumerian civilizations have disappeared but some of their achievements still survive in the civilizations that replaced both of them. If it is true that China was unified only in 221 BC it is also true that in 221 BC there was a political unification of pre-exsting very similar civilizations flourished in the area of today China a bit less than two millennia before. A civilization (the Yellow River civilization) is a broader concept compared to a state entity (China under Qin Shi Huang Di). If we speak of the oldest still exsting civilization, may be China has to share the record with the Indus Valley civilization.

根据历史资料和考古证据，5000多年前，埃及和美索不达米亚地区出现了最古老的文明。根据历史资料和考古证据，中国文明比埃及和苏美尔文明至少年轻一千年。埃及文明和苏美尔文明已经消失，这也是事实，但它们的一些文化成就在后续文明中仍然存在。

如果中国真的在公元前221年才实现统一，那么在公元前221年，距今不到两千年前，在今天的中国地区已经存在着非常相似的文明的政治统一。与国家实体(秦始皇统治下的中国)相比，文明(黄河文明)是一个更广泛的概念。如果我们要论现存的最古老的文明，中国文明和印度河流域文明都是最古老的文明。