论中国古代都城的起源

都城作为一种特殊类型的城市，它的产生是聚落演进的结果；作为政治活动的中心，它又是国家演进的产物。中国古都的起源在聚落形态上表现为从部落联盟中心的大邑逐渐演进到王权国家曲都城；时间形态上表现为从三皇五帝时代的都邑发展到夏商时期的都城；地域形态上表现为从黄河上、中、下游的广泛分布渐趋集中于中游的中原地区；建筑形态上表现为宫殿、宗庙等大型夯土建筑物的出现。随着宫殿和宗庙的出现以及聚落中心功能的加强，至夏、商两代，真正意义上的“四方之极”，即政治、军事、经济、典仪及文化中心的都城最终形成。

On the Origin of the Ancient Chinese Capital City

Capital city is the result of settlement evolution in terms of a special city, and of state evolution in terms of political centre. From the view of settlement, ancient Chinese capital city developed from tribe union centre to the state capital. In terms of time, they developed from legendary emperors to Xia and Shang Dynasty. In terms of location, they converged to Central Plain area from spreading drainage area. In terms of architectural status, they are represented by grand rammed building such as palace and ancestral temple. Along with its evolution, capital city function as the centre of politics, economy, military, riles and culture.