The determination of territorial ownership is a complex issue, involving multiple dimensions such as history, law, politics and reality. There are many disputes and limitations in relying solely on the affiliation of ancient territories as a judgment standard. The following is an analysis based on different perspectives.： --- ###1. **Limitations of historical perspective** 1. **Subjectivity of historical narratives** The definition of ancient territories often relies on historical documents or archaeological evidence, but there may be conflicts between the historical narratives of the same area by different civilizations, countries, or ethnic groups. For example, territorial disputes in the Balkan Peninsula and the Middle East are often exacerbated by different interpretations of ancient history. 2. **Regime change and border changes** Historically, the rise and fall of empires, wars, and colonial activities have led to frequent territorial changes. For example, ancient Rome, the Ottoman Empire, etc. once controlled large areas, but these historical territories could not directly correspond to the sovereignty claims of modern countries. 3. **The difference between ancient governance models and modern sovereignty** The governance of the frontier by the ancient regime was mostly symbolic control (such as the tribute system), which was inconsistent with the principle of “effective Control” in modern international law. For example, China's claim to “historic rights” in the South China Sea during the Ming and Qing Dynasties was questioned by other countries because it lacked continuous evidence of actual jurisdiction. --- ###2. ** Core principles of international law** The determination of modern territorial sovereignty is usually based on the following principles, rather than purely historical attribution： 1. **Actual control and effective governance** In its jurisprudence (such as the 2012 case of Nicaragua v. Colombia), the International Court of Justice emphasizes that actual control, administrative management and continuous exercise of sovereignty (such as the establishment of institutions and law enforcement) are the key to determining sovereignty. 2. **Treaties and international recognition** Modern borders are mostly established through international treaties (such as the Treaty of Westphalia) or the decolonization process. For example, most of the borders of African countries inherit the division of the colonial period. Although they have nothing to do with the territory of the ancient kingdom, they are widely recognized by the international community. 3. **Right of peoples to self-determination** The Charter of the United Nations respects the right of the people to decide their own belonging through referendums or consultations. For example, East Timor gained independence from Indonesia through a referendum, although it has historically been ruled by multiple empires. --- ###3. **The realpolitik application of historical claims** Although international law attaches more importance to the basis of reality, historical claims may still be used as political tools.： -**Strengthen legitimacy**: For example, China's claim to sovereignty over the South China Sea is partly based on historical documents, and Russia's annexation of Crimea invokes 18th-century historical links. -**Construction of national identity**: Both Israel and Palestine cite the Bible or ancient documents to support territorial claims, but these claims often conflict with reality. --- ###4. **A case of balancing history and reality** 1. **China Taiwan Issue** The Chinese government emphasizes that Taiwan has belonged to China since ancient times, but its modern claim to sovereignty is also based on international legal documents such as the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Declaration, as well as the widespread recognition of the “one China” principle. 2. **Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan** Both sides cite historical, religious and territorial control claims, but the international community calls for a solution through dialogue and the line of actual control (LoC), rather than simply tracing ancient attribution. --- ###5.**Conclusion: The necessity of multi-dimensional standards** Territorial ownership needs to be considered comprehensively： -**Historical connection**: As a reference for cultural identity, but not the only basis； -**Law and reality**: Priority is given to effective control, international treaties and national self-determination； -**Peaceful settlement mechanism**: Avoid the intensification of conflicts on historical issues through the International Court of Justice, arbitration or consultation. In short, ancient territorial relations can be used as an auxiliary basis, but the modern international order emphasizes a legal framework and stability based on reality. Detached from realistic governance and the will of the people, relying solely on historical claims can easily lead to disputes or even conflicts.