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History

Early Chinese written records refer to maritime peoples living in China's southeastern seaboard as Yue. It is possible that at least some of Hong Kong's prehistoric inhabitants were from the 'Hundred Yue, a diverse group of peoples.

Rock carvings with geometric designs, and patterns resembling stylised animals most likely engraved by these early inhabitants, were found at Shek Pik on Lantau, on Kau Sai Chau, Po Toi, Cheung Chau and Tung Lung Chau, and at Big Wave Bay and Wong Chuk Hang on Hong Kong Island.

The military from the north conquered South China during the Qin (221-206 BC) and Han (206 BC-AD 220) dynasties, bringing to the region increasing numbers of Han settlers, who exerted various influences on the indigenous populations. Evidence of this is in the Han coins that were dug up, but the most outstanding monument to this turbulent period must undoubtedly be a fine brick-built tomb uncovered near Li Uk and Cheng Uk villages in Sham Shui Po in 1955, with its array of typical Han grave goods, dating back to the early to middle Eastern Han dynasty. Excavations at Pak Mong on Lantau, on Kau Sai Chau, at Tung Wan Tsai on Ma Wan Island and at So Kwun Wat in Tuen Mun all yielded considerable quantities of Han dynasty artefacts in well-stratified sequences. These included different pottery vessels, iron implements and many copper coins. Four ceramic pots were discovered at a drainage works site in Mong Kok.

Archaeological remains from later historic periods are still relatively rare. Findings from excavations have shed welcome light on one aspect of life in Hong Kong during the Tang dynasty (AD 618-907) - the use of lime. This is revealed in a study of dome-shaped lime kilns. which are a common feature of local beaches. Lime was a valuable and useful commodity which played an important role in the economy of the time.

Strong traditions link Hong Kong with events that occurred during the Mongol incursions and with the concluding chapters of the Song dynasty in the 13th century AD. Several archaeological remains are from this period: the Sung Wong Toi inscription in Kowloon City; the Song inscription near the Tin Hau Temple at Joss House Bay; caches of Song coins from Shek Pik, Mai Po and Kellett Island; remnants of building structures at the former airport site in Kai Tak; and Song-type celadons found at different sites, including the Kai Tak site and Tai Hom Tsuen in Kowloon, Nim Shue Wan and Shek Pik on Lantau, and Ngau Hom Shek in Yuen Long.

Studies are shedding fresh light on events in Hong Kong during the Ming (AD 1368-1644) and Qing (AD 1644-1911) dynasties. These include an analysis of considerable quantities of Ming blue-and-white porcelain collected and excavated from Penny's Bay, Lantau. They are very fine quality export ware of the kind that found its way to Southeast Asia and further west, and date from the early 16th century AD. During another excavation in 2001, more Ming remains were unearthed, including building foundations suggesting the presence of a Ming settlement at Penny's Bay. Archaeological probes at an ancient kiln site at Wun Yiu in Tai Po suggested potters probably began to manufacture blue-and-white ware locally as early as in the Ming dynasty. The local porcelain industry continued well into the early 20th century, spanning more than 300 years. Excavations at So Kwun Wat in 2000 and 2008 identified more than 90 Ming-dynasty graves. The grave goods - which include porcelain ware, copper coins and iron implements - shed light on the life of local inhabitants in the Ming dynasty.

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