Nestorian Stele

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1. 1Nestorian Stele

   Welcome to the Beilin Museum, the Forest of Steles, in the ancient capital of Chang-an, modern-day Xi'an. We stand before one of the most significant archaeological treasures in the world, the Da Qin Jing Jiao Liu Xing Zhong Guo…

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2. 2The Arrival of Olopon in 635 AD

   The narrative carved into this stone begins with the most virtuous Olopon, a man from the kingdom of Syria who, observing the azure clouds and the direction of the winds, braved immense difficulties to reach the Tang capital of…

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3. 3Theology of the Illustrious Religion

   The middle portion of the stele provides a fascinating summary of the theology of the Jing Jiao, or the Illustrious Religion, often described as having two natures—divine and human. It begins with the eternal, unchangeable God,…

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4. 4Architecture and Cultural Synthesis

   One of the most striking aspects of the Nestorian presence in China was their architectural and social adaptation. The churches built under imperial decree were often referred to as 'Da Qin Si' or 'Bo Si Si' (Persian Temples),…

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5. 5The Persecution and Rediscovery

   The era of prosperity for the Illustrious Religion was interrupted by the shifting winds of political and religious power. In 699, the Buddhists gained power and raised their voices against the faith, and in 713, 'low fellows'…

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6. 6A Linguistic and Scriptural Bridge

   As we examine the physical details of the stone, we notice the unique blend of scripts. The main body is in clear, elegant Chinese characters, but at the bottom and along the sides are lines of Syriac, the language of the…

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7. 7Reflections on Tang Cosmopolitanism

   To truly understand the Nestorian Stele, one must appreciate the broader context of Tang Dynasty Chang-an. This was a city where the 'rider on the azure ox'—Lao Tzu—and the teachings of the Buddha coexisted with the Illustrious…

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8. 8Closing

   As we conclude our visit to the Nestorian Stele, take a moment to consider the incredible journey this stone has taken. From its creation in 781 AD to its long burial in the earth, and its narrow escape from international…

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