Nanjing,an ancient capital of China,enjoys a worldwide reputation for its history and culture. Archaeological findings show that human ancestors lived in Nanjing area around 300,000 years ago,and primitive villages took shape 6.000 years ago. These inhabitants were the original local people. From then on,people lived and multiplied in this area generation after generation.
In 472 B. C.,under Goujian (King of State Yue)'s order,a city historically called "Yue City" was built on the site of Rain Flower Terrace. That is the earliest record of city construction in Nanjing area,and by now it has a history of 2,470 years. During the Three Kingdoms Period,Dongwu (Eastern Wu) moved its capital to Nanjing - called "Jianye" then,in 229 A. D.. Thereafter,dynasties like Dongjin (Eastern Jin),Song,Qi,Liang,Chen,Nantang (Southern Tang - in Five Dynasties Period),Ming,Taiping Heavenly capital Kingdom and Republic of China in turn,established their capital here. In the past 1,700 years,Nanjing has achieved its fame as "an ancient capital of ten dynasties" . Dynasties waxed and waned,thus left rich legacy of ancient times. Abundant historic relics date back to many stirring stories and epic legends of the past.
During Ming Dynasty ,Nanjing got its present name for the first time. Over the long period of history,it had other names like Moling, StoneCity, Jianye, Jiankang, Baixia, Shangyuan, Shenzhou, Jiangning, Jiqing, Yingtian and Tianjing.It is name might be different,yet the city itself kept being outstanding for its ancient history,brilliant culture,scenery and great achievements-therefore,it holds an important place in Chinese history.