马是人类最忠实的朋友之一。在六畜中,马居首位,在传统文化中,马的象征意义也多是正面形象。从考古 发现来看,距今四千年前的黄河上游甘肃地区已经出现了驯化的家马。在此后的历史发展演进中,马已成 为人类行旅代步、农业生产、交通运输、邮驿传递和战争博弈等方面不可或缺的重要动力。在丙午马年 即将到来之际,我们根据考古出土材料,来讲一讲与马相关的故事。 □刘文涛 马尾巴的故事 现在的年轻人可能与马打交道的机会不多,仅仅从影视作品中见到骑马驰骋或金戈铁马的场景。在先秦 时期,马不光是交通运输工具,马匹的多少也代表着国力与国防力量的强弱。文献记载的"千乘之国",也不 是简单千辆车与千匹马的组合,而是一个国家军事实力的体现。当时以四马一车为一乘,驾车的四匹马,中 间两匹称"两服",左右的两匹称"两骖"。《诗经·郑风》中有"两服上襄,两骖雁行"的诗句。意思是驾车的 中间两匹服马抬起头,两侧的骖马比服马稍后,排列如雁飞之行列。从诗句中也能反映出当时四匹马拉车 的组合位置。这四匹马合称"驷",成语中"驷马难追"的"驷"就源自这里。 山东在先秦时期古国很多,能达到千乘国力的诸侯国也有。高等级贵族死后采用车马陪葬的制度盛行当 时。目前山 ...

Group 1 - The exhibition "Commemorating the 620th Anniversary of Zheng He's Voyages to the West" opened at the China Maritime Museum, highlighting Zheng He's significant maritime journey that began 620 years ago [1] - A large model of the treasure ship, based on Zheng He's original vessels, is displayed prominently, showcasing its impressive four-story height and intricate internal structure [5][7] - The exhibition features over a hundred precious artifacts from the early Ming Dynasty, including a complete set of jewelry worn by noblewomen, which reflects the trade of valuable gems during Zheng He's voyages [9][10] Group 2 - Zheng He's fleet, which was the largest in the world at the time, made seven voyages between 1405 and 1433, reaching over thirty countries and regions, including East Africa [7] - The exhibition emphasizes the cultural exchange and trade relationships established through Zheng He's voyages, showcasing gifts like Ming Dynasty porcelain given to foreign dignitaries [10] - Interactive experiences allow visitors to engage with the history of Zheng He's voyages, including a digital display of the different routes taken during the expeditions [11][13] Group 3 - The museum also features various experiential spaces, such as a submarine simulation and a sailor's rest area, enhancing visitor engagement with maritime history [16] - The museum director highlights the importance of Zheng He's voyages in demonstrating China's advanced maritime technology and its contributions to global trade and openness today [18]