World History: Ancient Japan house register discovered on Kyushu Island

The oldest house register of Japan of the end of VII century was discovered during excavations in the city of Dazaifu on the South Coast of Kyushu Island. Unique records are put on wooden plates and are well-preserved. They have been found during archaeological excavations which must  precede the construction of a new block of flats.

According to experts, the plates of 31cm length and 8cm width were covered with inscriptions during the period of 685 to 701. They contain names of 16 relatives with indication of sex and other markings, for example, the head of family, his sister, and son to be conscripted to the army.

According to historians, the finding shows that the Japanese government at the end of VII century directly controlled a significant part of population. Specialists were surprised by the evidence of well organized tax collection system and army admission.