Relationship between ancient bridges and population dynamics in the lower Yangtze River Basin, China.

ABSTRACT: It has been suggested that population growth dynamics may be revealed by the geographic distribution and the physical structure of ancient bridges. Yet, this relationship has not been empirically verified. In this study, we applied the archaeological records for ancient bridges to reveal the population growth dynamics in the lower Yangtze River Basin in late imperial China. We investigated 89 ancient bridges in Yixing that were built during the Ming and Qing dynasties (AD1368-1911). Global Position System information and structure (length, width, and span) of those bridges was measured during our field investigations. Their distribution density was calculated by ArcGIS. The historical socio-economic dynamics of Yixing was inferred from the distribution and structure of ancient bridges. Bas

SUBMITTER: Zhao Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5549911 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature