Post-classical Asia
Post-classical Asia Differences and similarities with Islamic world and West? Differences and similarities among post-classical Asian civilizations?
China China under the Sui (580-618) Foreign invasions collapse of Han Chaos! (220-589) Sui rule Sui reunified China, continued expansion High taxes, failed military expeditions fall of Sui
China China under the Tang (618-907) Expansion through conquest, protectorates Authority of central government reestablished Bureaucracy elaborated Golden age for Buddhism
China Empress Wu Zetian (624-705) Began as concubine empress Ruled on her own (690-705) Advised by scholars Strengthened monarchy, promoted talent in government
China China under the Song (960-1278) Came to power after civil war Suffered attacks by central Asian nomads Presided over vibrant economy!
China China and Commerce Experienced commercial revolution (700-1200) Paper money (811) Spheres of influence Silk Road Ships southeast Asia, Indian Ocean Chief exports: silk and porcelain
China Emperor Huizong, Court Ladies Preparing Newly Woven Silk (12th cent.)
Fort Jesus Museum, Mombasa China Vase from Song Dynasty, Fort Jesus Museum, Mombasa
China
China
China
China Questions?
The Mongols Mongol Tribes Nomadic, pastoralist North of China Organized into family clans Formidable warriors!
The Mongols Chinggis Khan (ca. 1165-1227) General Unified tribes “universal ruler” Formed highly disciplined, sophisticated army
The Mongols
The Mongols
The Mongols The Mongol War Machine The Army Superb equestrians and archers! Cavalry: 50-70,000 horsemen Skilled at ambushes Dynastic crisis, insufficient pasturage prevented further expansion
The Mongols Ruling the Mongol Empire Divided into four regions Demanded tribute and troops from subjects, recognition of overlordship Religious toleration Eager to trade with Europeans
The Mongols Rule of Kubilai Khan (r. 1260-1294) Grandson of Chinggis Conquered Song China (1279) Based in China Preserved Chinese bureaucracy, manned by foreigners Brilliant court life, open to foreigners
The Mongols Disintegration and Legacy Short-lived empire Had ruled over/influenced most of Eurasia (approx. 6,000 miles!) Rule over vast territory interchange of knowledge and products
The Mongols Questions?
Japan Japan Island network Never conquered by China Borrowed selectively from it Remained distinct Political traditions More militaristic Shinto
Japan Japanese Feudalism Strong “regional” political units Feudal warfare! Emperor: figurehead, religious Daimyo Samurai Samurai on horseback
Japan
Japan Entrance gate, Kyoto Imperial Palace
Japan Hall of State Ceremonies, Kyoto Imperial Palace
Japan The Shogunate SHOGUN Kamakura Shogunate (1192-1333) Dominant military figure Official role: chief officer to emperor Reality: effective ruler of country, demanded fidelity of daimyo Kamakura Shogunate (1192-1333) Period of great peace Successfully resisted 2 Mongol invasions! Collapse renewed internal warfare
Japan Shinto Japan’s native religion “Way of the gods” Worshiped spirits of nature in local shrines No sacred book, developed theology Torii gate
Japan Zen Buddhism Study of Buddhism with a master Path to enlightenment Constant meditation Shock worldly mind with unanswerable questions, riddles
Japan Questions?
Post-classical Asia Differences and similarities with Islamic world and West? Differences and similarities among post-classical Asian civilizations?