唐代驿程的新解读——以沙州为中心的考察

A New Study on Distances of the Yi in the Tang Dynasty:The Inspections Focused on Shazhou

"驿"是唐代官方交通的主要形式,也是政令和信息上传下达的重要机构。据《唐六典》记载,全国"凡三十里一驿,天下凡一千六百三十有九所"[1]。在前代交通建设的基础上,唐朝建立了完备的邮驿管理制度,这包括驿舍,驿田,驿夫,驿马、驿船、驿驴等配置及其使用规定。由于传驿不仅是古代交通的主体,也是研究政令运行的重要内容,因而很早就受到学者关注,迄今为止,成果十分丰富,但基本集中于驿址考证及驿道复原、邮驿管理制度和运行效率等方面,对驿程本身的解读性研究甚少[2]。

Li in the Tang Dynasty(唐里) is proved to be a unit for actual distance rather than a nominal measurement,by calculating and analysing distances measured in Li and kilometres(km) between the Yi(驿) with applications of Geographic Information Systems(GIS).Geographical environment plays a vital part in deciding distance of the Yi,which provides scientific evidence for assessing location of Yi.The Tang Liudian(唐六典) provide the reference,"locate one Yi every 30 Li"(三十里一驿),which was not enforced.This rule was established in consideration,but it is more regarded as a custom passed from the past,therefore it has great significance in terms of history and politics.