Definition: Daoism is a belief system that arose in China during the Han dynasty, developing from the primitive shamanism of the Ba culture into a formal Daoist religion during the second century BC. The Taipeng sect is considered the earliest form of Dao, and it arose in the Qi region.
Transcriptions of the ancient classic Daoist text LaoZi have been found in a tomb at Guodian, dating to the middle part of the Warring States period; it was written about the 6th century BC. By the end of the Han dynasty, links between Dao imagery and Buddhist imagery are apparent.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
Transcriptions of the ancient classic Daoist text LaoZi have been found in a tomb at Guodian, dating to the middle part of the Warring States period; it was written about the 6th century BC. By the end of the Han dynasty, links between Dao imagery and Buddhist imagery are apparent.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
Also Known As: The Way
Alternate Spellings: Taoism
