From prehistoric hunters to pearl divers
Prehistoric Hong Kong
Thanks to its excellent location around a naturally protected harbor near the Pearl River Delta, Hong Kong was already inhabited in ancient times. But, nevertheless, it did not develop into a significant city until the British colonised it. As a matter of fact, most of the early settlements were nothing more than a few scattered villages that made their living from fishing, salt production and pearl diving.
Archaeological findings, including bronze fishing and combat tools, as well as stone carvings with possible religious significance, show that human activity in Hong Kong started more than 5000 years ago.
The indigenous settlers were the Che people of South China and their villages were located mainly on the outer islands of Lamma and Lantau, as well as on the Sai Kung Peninsula and on some of the Western shores.
Large numbers of Yue people from the North started to flock to the area during the Warring States period (4th - 5th century BC), possibly, due to the unrest in the North.
The arrival of the newcomers created a stiff competition between them and the local Che for food and resources, and a series of conflicts occurred between the two groups. The Yue enjoyed superiority over the Che, thanks to their higher level of technology. They brought sophisticated bronze tools which were, by far, more advanced than those of the Che, but eventually, the two groups assimilated.
......................................................................................................................
Early civilization
The area where Hong Kong is today was incorporated into China in 214 BC, following the unification of China by the Qin Dynasty. In the following years, during the Han Dynasty, there was a significant increase in the population and historians believe that salt production industry started to develop around that time (Approx. 2000 years ago).
Pearl hunting is another economical activity that started to flourish during the Han dynasty and the Tolo Harbour (Tai po hoi), in the Northeast part of the New territories, was a major pearl hunting harbor at that time. The hunting lasted until the Ming Dynasty (circa 1500 ac), when the pearl oysters were nearly extinct in the area.
|
Hong Kong's "mini economic boom"...
The city of Guangdong (Canton) became a significant international trading center during the Tang Dynasty (Circa 900 ac) and the economic boom had its impact on neighboring Hong Kong, which served as a port, naval base, salt production centre and later on, as a base for pearl hunting.
|
The region of Guangdong (Canton) became a significant international trading centre during the Tang Dynasty (Circa 900 ac). The economic boom had its impact on nearby Hong Kong and the Tuen Mun region (in the Southwest part of New Territories) served as a port, naval base, salt production centre and later on, as a base for pearl hunting. Lantau Island was also the salt production centre where the salt smugglers riots broke out against the government.
Another significant increase of population occurred on the 13th century, during the Song Dynasty. It was the Mongol invasion that pushed a large number of refugees to the region where Hong Kong is today.
......................................................................................................................
Next in line...
The arrival of the Europeans
