Abstract
This is the first part of a study, consisting of two parts, on Riemann theta function representations of algebro-geometric solutions to soliton hierarchies. In this part, using linear combinations of Lax matrices of soliton hierarchies, we introduce trigonal curves by their characteristic equations, explore general properties of meromorphic functions defined as ratios of the Baker–Akhiezer functions, and determine zeros and poles of the Baker–Akhiezer functions and their Dubrovin-type equations. We analyse the four-component AKNS soliton hierarchy in such a way that it leads to a general theory of trigonal curves applicable to construction of algebro-geometric solutions of an arbitrary soliton hierarchy.