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The SWORD OF GOUJIAN

World of Antiquity・19 minutes read

The Sword of Goujian, a famous ancient Chinese sword with an inscription for King Goujian, is a national treasure in China and is closely associated with the kingdoms of Yue and Wu for its high-quality blades and historical significance. Despite being damaged in the past, it remains a symbol of patriotism and resilience, with King Goujian known for his cunning strategies and eventual revenge against the kingdom of Wu.

Insights

  • The Sword of Goujian, associated with King Goujian of Yue, symbolizes resilience and strategic prowess in Chinese history, reflecting the kingdom's legacy of high-quality sword-making and close-range combat tactics.
  • King Goujian's sword is a revered national treasure in China, protected from leaving the country to prevent damage, showcasing the importance of historical artifacts in preserving cultural heritage and national identity.

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  • What is the Sword of Goujian?

    A famous Chinese sword with historical significance.

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Summary

00:00

"The Sword of Goujian: China's Legendary Blade"

  • The Sword of Goujian is the most famous sword in China, excavated in 1965 from Tomb No. 1 in Wangshan village, Hubei province.
  • It was found in excellent condition, easily cutting through 20 sheets of paper, and is now housed in the Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan.
  • Associated with the kingdoms of Yue and Wu during the late Spring and Autumn period, known for their high-quality blades.
  • The sword's provenance is debated, possibly belonging to a prince of Yue buried in Chu or taken as war booty by Chu.
  • Yue swords are considered some of the best ever made globally, with high copper bronze cores and iron or high tin bronze blades.
  • The Sword of Goujian bears an inscription stating it was made for King Goujian's personal use, raising questions about its creation.
  • The sword was likely used for actual fighting by the kings of Yue, known for close-range combat and fighting on war boats.
  • King Goujian of Yue was a significant figure in Chinese history, known for his cunning strategies and eventual revenge against the kingdom of Wu.
  • Goujian spent 23 years rebuilding his kingdom after being a prisoner of war, returning to defeat his enemies.
  • Despite his villainous actions, Goujian is also seen as a symbol of patriotism in China for his dedication to restoring his country.

18:47

King Goujian's Sword: China's National Treasure

  • During the Second World War, King Goujian's strategy of surface acceptance and obedience to build strength for resistance was discussed.
  • The sword of King Goujian is a national treasure in China and cannot leave the country to prevent damage.
  • The sword was damaged in Singapore in 1994, leading to a re-evaluation of sending metal objects to museums.
  • Damaging a national treasure in China can result in severe punishment, possibly even the death penalty.
  • King Goujian's sword is considered one of the top national treasures due to its historical significance.
  • The Yue kingdom, despite being short-lived, has a significant cultural legacy, with many states claiming descent from it.
  • Yue metalworking techniques are still not fully understood due to the difficulty in finding relevant archaeological sites.
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