Early History

Time Period:

Introduction:

Taiwan was originally inhabited by the aborigines of Malayo-Ploynesian which were composed of nine different ethnic groups in the South Pacific Islands. Another name for Taiwan was "Tapanga" meaning a big island in the 3rd century.

The first record found in Chinese govenment archive was in the era of "Three Kindoms"--San Kuo, which represented three major powerful controllers in China in that period. One of the rulers, Suen Chuan, who controlled the south-east of China, Wu, sent some troop to explore islands along the east coastal China. Taiwan was listed as "Liuqiq" among the groups of islands where the sailors visited. But no further description was recorded in the regard of settlement or immigration.

More related sources on the WEB:

The History of Taiwan
http://www.gio.gov.tw/info/yearbook/nf_html/ch04_3.html
This page has a very good information regarding the medieval history of Taiwan.
Page is designed and maintained by Government Information Office.
Brief History
http://peacock.tnjc.edu.tw/ROC_info.html#1
A page briefly describes the early historical relationship between Taiwan and Mainland China.
The Tribes of Taiwan
http://www.sinica.edu.tw/tit/culture/0795_TribesOfTaiwan.html
A page describes the traits of Taiwan aborigines and the tribes distribution today.
Page is created by Vision International Publishing Co.

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