| Abstract |
The expression “retreat by three stages (30 miles)”(退避三舍) has its origins in the Spring and Autumn Period of Chinese history. When Chong’er (697-628 BCE), the exiled Duke of Jin, was asked by the King of Chu how he intended to repay the king’s personal kindness to him, Chong’er reportedly replied that if he ever met the king in battle, he would withdraw his troops by three stages. This story is indicative of the military culture of ancient China, which emphasized the need to show generosity to the enemy on the battlefield. In addition, it reflects how the aristocratic ruling class during the pre-Qin period was governed by a sense of fair play. Intriguingly, something akin to “retreat by three stages” is also found among the ancient nomadic Massagetae of Central Asia: when they were fighting against Cyrus II of Persia, they made similar demands on him. Based on the evidence provided in this paper, it seems likely that close ethnic and cultural contacts existed between the inhabitants of northern China and those of Inner Asia during the pre-Qin period. It also seems likely that northern China was the source of many practices found in the Inner Asian region. |
