Liuqiu (medieval) (original) (raw)

The Liuqiu or Lewchew of the Book of Sui and other medieval Chinese texts was a realm said to have existed in the East China Sea. During the 18th and 19th centuries, it was referred to as Liukiu in English; and, Lieou-kieou in French. It is variously identified with Taiwan Island, the Penghu or Pescadore Islands, and the Ryukyu Archipelago. While this small independent kingdom of seafaring traders was similar to the settlements found in Japan's southern islands, its culture was more strongly influenced by the Chinese.