“潭蓬运河”的疏凿及地理位置考析

“潭蓬运河”又名“天威径”“仙人垅”等,是晚唐咸通年间由静海军节度使高骈疏凿的,位于广西壮族自治区防城港市以南的江山半岛附近海域,是中国海上丝绸之路的重要组成部分。但其地理位置问题,至今尚有诸多疑点。论文基于历史文献等资料,深入考析“天威径”疏凿的历史背景、具体经过及其地理位置,对进一步明晰“天威径”的历史文化价值和在海上丝绸之路的历史地位有着重要意义。通过对相关历史文献资料的梳理和历史地理背景的考察,重新论证了“天威径”开凿的历史背景、具体经过和地理位置,研究表明：① “潭蓬运河”的位置应当是位于江山半岛南端的白龙尾以外海域之中,所谓“潭蓬运河”的开凿过程就是对白龙尾以南海域中礁石的疏凿;② “潭蓬运河”疏凿的目的在于为驻安南唐军提供持续稳定的后勤补给,疏凿的时间是在懿宗咸通九年;③ 本着尊重史实的原则,高骈疏凿的礁石之处应当命名为“天威径”,而半岛上的潭蓬古运河处,则应改名为“天威径石刻遗迹”。

Excavation and geographic location of the Tanpeng canal

The "Tanpeng canal", also known as "Tianwei path" or "Xianrenlong", was canalized and dredged by Pian Gao during the Xiantong period of the late Tang Dynasty. It was located in the sea area near the Jiangshan Peninsula south of Fangchenggang City in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and is an important part of China's Maritime Silk Road. However, its geographic location is still a fair subject of speculation. Based on historical records and other materials, the authors explored the historical background, development process, and geographic location of the canal, which is of great significance for clarifying the historical and cultural value of Tianwei path and its important role in the maritime silk road. On the basis of historical literature review and investigation of the geographic background, we demonstrated the historical background of the canal's excavation, development process, and geographic location. Our research shows that: 1) The location of the Tanpeng canal should be in the sea area outside the White Dragon Tail at the southern end of the Jiangshan Peninsula. The excavation process of Tanpeng canal was the clearing of rocks in the sea area south of the White Dragon Tail. 2) The purpose of the development of the canal was to provide the Tang army in Annan with continuous and stable logistic supplies. The excavation of the canal took place between the eighth and ninth years of the Xiantong period of the Emperor Yi Zong. 3) Based on this history, the reef on which Pian Gao' canal passed through should be named Tianwei path, and the Tanpeng ancient canal on the peninsula should be renamed Tianwei path stone relics.