An ancient relievo of the Star of David, which Chinese archaeologists believe may date back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279) or Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368), has been unearthed recently in east China's port city of Quanzhou.

Carved in a piece of white granite that measures 65 cm in height and 63 cm in width and was obviously a component of a building, the relievo takes the form of a six-pointed star, a symbol of Judaism, which remains part of the national flag of Israel.

Archeologists say the relievo and the original relevant architecture indicate the influence of Judaism in the ancient times in Quanzhou, a port city in Fujian Province.

The relievo was unearthed under the Deji gate to its ancient city wall.

It is recorded that there were a number of Jews in the port city during the Yuan Dynasty, but before the discovery, Chinese archeologists could not find any other evidence.

In the Middle Ages, Quanzhou port used to be the starting point of the marine "Silk Road", which linked up nearly 100 Asian and African countries and regions.

( China Daily October 29, 2001)