The literal translation of the name of this largest world city is "Northern Capital". The history of Beijing has more than one millennium, it is difficult to say what was the starting point for the emergence of a new geographic object on the world map. Sinologists talk about the existence of cities on the territory of the modern capital of China already in the first millennium, and moreover, before our era. And the most famous of them is the city of Ji, which became the capital of the Yan kingdom.
Ancient history of Beijing
After the fall of the Yan kingdom, one dynasty after another began to come to these lands. Representatives of each of them (Jin, Han, Tang) saw the future of these territories in their own way, therefore they included the area in various districts, divided it up or annexed new lands. Of the important events of ancient history, scientists note the following:
- 755 - the uprising led by Al Lushan, which became the starting point of the decline of the Tang dynasty;
- 936 - the territories are transferred to the Liao dynasty, she made the place her main city with a symbolic name - "Southern Capital";
- 1125 - the era of the Jin dynasty, the formation of the Central capital;
- 1215 - the period of Mongol rule (from Genghis Khan to Khubilai);
- 1421 - Emperor Yongle returned the capital from Nanjing to Beijing.
For Beijing, the last moment was very important, at this time the city takes on a modern shape, significantly expanding its borders. Sinologists argue that until the middle of the 19th century, it was part of the group of the largest cities in the world, perhaps this is a key moment in the history of Beijing in the shortest, most concise way.
From the Middle Ages to the Present
Since the 15th century, the city has never stopped developing. Amazing architectural structures, masterpieces of world architecture and culture are being erected, for example, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. Every tourist who comes to the capital of this state knows about the Gate of Heavenly Peace, the symbol of China.
Although it is impossible to call the history of Beijing, like the whole of China, peaceful - there are too many applicants for the right to own the city, although the city retains the status of the capital. In 1860, Europeans reached Beijing, the British and French plundered the city and burned several important objects. 40 years later, the city experienced another invasion of European armies.
The twentieth century brought its own wars, redistribution of power and territories. Beijing was constantly under the threat of being stripped of its status as the main city of China, with Nanjing being its main competitor. In addition, Beijing was renamed Beiping several times and returned to its old name.
