On the Controversy about the History of Chinese Astronomy

The first European mistification connected with the history of Chinese astronomy in the 17th century was the biggest, but not the only. According to Chinese sources, its arising dates back to the middle of the third millennium BC. The reliability of the sources is debatable. In the 17-18th centuries, in China the Jesuit mission worked. They created an idea of the antiquity of Chinese astronomy among the Europeans. European scientists' subsequent discussions showed some doubts. In 19th and 20th centuries the debates about the authenticity of the original sources were continued. We shall review the history of this discussion and the main arguments of the parties.