A Research on Astronomical and Calendric Achievements of Liao Dynasty

Liao Dynasty was famous for her vast territory and high prestige.She made a contribution on science and technology as well.The star chart is perfect and distinctive,and represent the astronomical achievements of Liao Dynasty,which was found in tombs of Liao Dynasty in Xuanhua and was based on traditional Chinese Twenty-Eight Constellations,and adopted the conception of 12 signs of the zodiac from the West,showing a characteristic of combining Chinese and Western elements.Officials of Liao Dynasty are expert in astronomy and mathematics.The calendar of Liao Dynasty carried forward the traditional merits of Chinese calendar,and also absorbed Occident astronomical and calendric knowledge.It was advanced at that time and even better than the calendar of Song Dynasty.Liao Dynasty established smooth contact with Central and Western Asian countries.There were frequent economic and cultural interchanges between the two parties.While Khitan culture spread to Central and Western Asia,and even to Europe,naturally the astronomy and calendar of Liao Dynasty were influenced by that of the West.