中国城记:南京古城 六朝古都

　　The early history of Nanjing as a seat of great importance dates back to the Warring States Period, around 400 BC. Large collections of tribal families and warriors sought, gained and lost governing seats time and time again through a relatively short period, Nanjing would often be chosen as the capital for its geographical position and rich resources. As the city sits at the point where the smaller Qinhuai River meets the mighty Yangtze River, maintaining a station of power was paramount for those who wanted to maintain their rule over the land.

　　南京早期的历史奠定了南京的重要地位，这可以追溯到5000年前。与河姆渡文化同期，南京秦淮河畔的湖熟镇，创造了新石器时代的“湖熟文化”，是长江中下游地区的文化发源地。大约公元前500年至公元前200年间的战国时期，南京由于其地理位置和丰富的资源，成为群雄逐鹿、兵家必争的地方。大批部落群体和勇士相互斗争，政权不断获得而后丧失。但南京的历史在争斗中建立，南京的文明在争斗中获得进步和发展。对于座落在蜿蜒秦淮河与广阔长江交界处的这片胜地，是想成就霸业、巩固其领土统治权的人们梦寐以求的。

　　From the period of 220 AD – 589 AD, now called the Six Dynasties period, many of the cultural foundations that have formed Chinese society came into being. Specifically in Nanjing, silk production and other craft arts were beginning to be produced in abundance. Nanjing scholars such as Wang Xizhi and Gu Kaizhi were laying the foundations for the unique style of Chinese paintings and calligraphy. Stories from the countryside talk about the legend of great hunters selecting rabbit fur as the pre-eminent choice for fine calligraphy brushes, the first and finest being from Nanjing.

　　从公元229年至589年，先后有六个汉族政权在南京建都，史学家称为六朝时期。那时，众多的经济、文化基础的建立，促成了后来中国社会的发展。特别是，丝绸生产和其他一些工艺产品开始大量涌现，使南京被誉为“衣履冠带天下”。那时活动于南京一带的学者，如王羲之和顾恺之，为中国独特的书法和绘画技艺奠定了基础。据说，许多人精心选用兔毛做毛笔，最早是起源于南京。至元、明朝代，南京一带大量涌现出以山羊毛制作的羊毫笔，其在表达中华书法、绘画的特殊韵味上，拥有着与众不同的魅力。