宋代巡边述略

A Brief Review of Border Patrolling in the Song Dynasty

巡边是宋廷为保护边境地区安宁而实施的防卫措施,反映了其对边境地区控制的加强。宋代巡边类型多样,因时局不同,巡边也经历了较大变化,巡边长官多由德高望重且擅长处理边疆事务的文臣担任。宋廷也常假巡边之名进行其他军事行动,掩盖其真实行动目的。由于巡边主要为战争服务,因此在和平时期居多的宋代,巡边并未上升为一种制度,而始终只是一种边防政策,但其仍对保障宋廷边境安全起到一定作用。

Border patrolling is a defensive measure implemented by the Song court to protect the border security,reflecting the strengthening of control over the border area.The purposes of border patrolling change according to situations.The chief patrol officers are mostly highly respected civil servants who manage border affairs.The Song court often conducts other military operations in the name of border patrolling,effectively concealing the true purpose of the action.Because it mainly serves the war,border patrolling is always a border defense policy instead of a system during peacetime.However,it makes certain contributions to the border security in the Song Dynasty.