An
ancient relievo of the Star
of David, which Chinese archaeologists believe may date back
to the
Song Dynasty (960-1279) or Yuan
Dynasty (1279-1368), has been unearthed recently in east
China's port city of Quanzhou.
Carved in a piece of white granite that measures 65 cm in height
and 63 cm in width and was obviously a component of a building, the
relievo takes the form of a six-pointed star, a symbol of Judaism,
which remains part of the national flag of Israel.
Archeologists say the relievo and the original relevant
architecture indicate the influence of Judaism in the ancient times
in Quanzhou, a port city in Fujian Province.
The relievo was unearthed under the Deji gate to its ancient city
wall.
It
is recorded that there were a number of Jews in the port city
during the Yuan Dynasty, but before the discovery, Chinese
archeologists could not find any other evidence.
In
the Middle Ages, Quanzhou port used to be the starting point of the
marine "Silk Road", which linked up nearly 100 Asian and African
countries and regions.
(
China Daily
October 29, 2001)