Recent research on the Western Zhou period: Introduction to the 2019 essays

The Western Zhou (ca. 1050–771 BCE) is often considered the period when Chinese civilization had its genesis. This esteem has often shaped the manner in which the Western Zhou period and the dynasty sharing its name are studied, as well as ultimately reconstructed. Great advancements have been made in the reconstruction of Western Zhou history and archaeology over the past few decades. Even more recently, a series of exciting new finds, excavated cemeteries and inscribed bronze vessels have continued to expose the magnificence of the Zhou as well as complicating our understanding of the very nature of the Western Zhou dynasty and its political domain. This special issue of Archaeological Research in Asia brings together four articles that reflect many of the recent trends in research on this important period.