In ancient times, intermarriage was called "harmony marriage", also known as "harmony and kinship" or "harmony and kinship". It refers to the practice of rulers of the Central Plains dynasties marrying their own children to the children of other ethnic groups or foreign rulers for a certain purpose, in order to establish a peaceful and friendly relationship between the two parties and promote economic and cultural development.
1、 The benefits brought by ancient marriage alliances
1. Politics
The political alliance between two leaders of different ethnic groups or different political regimes of the same race for the purpose of "serving me" is not only to expand their own power through the alliance, but also to avoid war and maintain long-term friendly relations with the other party.
2. Economy
When the princess gets married, she will take away the advanced production technology, tools, craftsmen, crops, rice seeds, and agricultural equipment from the Central Plains, providing conditions for the agricultural development of the other region. At the same time, northern ethnic groups will also transmit excellent animal husbandry techniques to the Central Plains, thereby promoting the development of economic and trade between the two sides.
3. Culture
Marriage promotes cultural integration between both parties. Princess Heqin brought not only abundant wealth, but also the cultural influence of the Central Plains. The culture of the Central Plains dynasties was also influenced by the culture of northern ethnic groups. In the stone carving art of the Han Dynasty, many stone carvings influenced by the nomadic culture of the Xiongnu can be found.
2、 The disadvantages brought by ancient marriage alliances
Due to the fact that the foundation of marriage alliance is not based on the feelings of both parties towards each other, marriage is likely to be unhappy, and a marriage without feelings can easily cause pain for both parties.
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