An exhibit chronicling the rich history of the Chinese empire, from the Qin (BC 221-206) to Tang (618-907 AD) dynasties, will soon be shown in Italy.

The first of four major archaeological exhibitions devoted to the Silk Road and Chinese civilization will open at the Casa dei Carraresi in Treviso in northeast Italy on October 22 and runs through April 30 next year.

This year's exhibition entitled "The Foundation of the Chinese Empire" covers the Qin, Han (BC 206-220 AD), Sui (581-618 AD) and Tang dynasties spanning about 1,000 years.

Although sericulture is a theme that runs through the entire exhibition series, each exhibition will focus on a specific period of the Chinese empire's long history.

The first one in 2005-06 focuses on the founding of the Chinese empire starting from the Qin Dynasty. The second one scheduled in 2007-08 will cover the Song and Yuan dynasties (960-1368), the era of Marco Polo. The third in 2009-10 will reveal the revival of Chinese prosperity under the Ming emperors (1368-1644), including the ocean exploration of Admiral Zheng He. The last part held in 2011-12 will feature the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

The exhibitions are initiated by Adriano Madaro, a board member of the Chinese Academy of International Culture, and promoted by Dino De Poli, president of the Cassamarca Foundation, and organized by Cassamarca Foundation and Chinese Academy of International Culture.

(China Daily October 14, 2005)