Liuqiu (medieval)

Liuqiu
Chinese流求
琉求
琉球
留求
瑠求
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinLiúqiú
Wade–GilesLiu-chʻiu
Tongyong PinyinLióucióu

Liuqiu or Lewchew 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. Referenced in various historical Chinese texts such as the Book of Sui, it is variously identified with Taiwan Island, the Penghu Islands (Pescadore Islands), and the Ryukyu Islands.