Abstract

Selection of a capital is of critical importance to security and stability of a country and consolidation of its regime. In selection of the capital in all Chinese dynasties over the past, what the governors usually take into account contained a variety of factors, such as, the strategic military position of a city, its economic development, its traffic convenience condition, its ethnic relations, etc. The same is true with other countries. Consideration of multi-factors is an inevitable route in selection of a capital. With development of the time and swift increase of population, capitals of some countries might be encountered with contradictions between population resources and environmental pressure and political functions. To resolve these contradictions, these countries, one after another, take different measures by moving their capitals elsewhere and decomposing functions. To the end of give play to the political function of a capital and maintain the integration capacity of a country, it is a must to pay attention to and deal with the issue of capital.

Highlights

  • Selection of a capital is of critical importance to security and stability of a country and consolidation of its regime

  • The governors need to take into comprehensive consideration of a variety of factors, such as, economy, military, traffic and ethnic relations

  • During the period of the Republic of China, Mr Chen Qiao-yi wrote a book entitled “The Seven Major Ancient Capitals in China”. He introduced in details the seven major ancient capitals in China, including Anyang, Xi’an, Luoyang, Kaifeng, Nanjing, Hangzhou and Beijing

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Summary

Factors Considered in Selection of Capital in the History

In the history of China, selection of capital by all the dynasties over the past implied different historical backgrounds, including different territories, different circumstances of war and peace, and different comparison of a country with its surrounding power, etc. Specific considerations were taken according to different circumstances in selection of capital

The Primary Consideration in Selecting a Capital Is the Military Factor
Consideration of the Place of Origin
Consideration of the Central Geographical Location
The Element of Contrast of Political Power
Consideration of the Economic Status
Consideration in Terms of Ethnic Relations
Consideration out of Military Aspects
Consideration out of the Central Geographical Location
Assessment of Functions of the Contemporary Capital of China
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