After 50 years' excavation, the ruins of Han Dynasty city of
Changan have finally been brought to light. Located to the
northwest of Xi'an, Changan City was the capital of the Han
Dynasty, its history starting around 2,200 years ago. Before its
heyday came to an end some 200 years later, Changan competed with
Rome as the two biggest cities in the world.
The well-preserved ruins have preserved the legend of Changan
for later ages, and the efforts of archeologists have unfolded more
details of its fable.
Changan City consisted of 11 districts, connected by 8 main
streets (about 45-55 meters wide). There were 12 gates around the
city. The city's neat structure must have been the result of
careful urban planning, bearing many similarities to modern city
structures.
According to historical documents, the population in the
downtown area of Changan City was around 240 thousand, with the
total population reacing 1.2 million, an amazing figure by the
standards of that time.
The imperial palace, Weiyang Palace, in Changan City was also
very impressive. Covering 5 sq km, it stood at seven times the size
of the Forbidden City in Beijing.
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(Chinanews.cn November 13, 2006)
