The Post-classical Asia

China Post-classical China –New dynasties: Sui ( ), Tang ( ), Song ( ) –Commerce! –Mongol conquest  Yuan dynasty ( )

China China under the Sui ( ) –Foreign invasions  collapse of Han –Chaos! ( )  Sui rule –Sui accomplishments Reunification Expansion –High taxes, failed military expeditions  fall of Sui

China China under the Tang ( ) –Expansion Conquered Turkish lands Protectorates of Tibet, Vietnam, Korea –Government Authority of central government reestablished Elaboration of bureaucracy Landlords’ taxing power abolished  direct payments to state –Buddhism attacked Deemed subversive Shrines and monasteries destroyed

China China under the Song ( ) –Came to power after civil war –Suffered attacks by Central Asian nomads –Expansion of cities –Population: 100 million+! –Presided over vibrant economy!

China China and Commerce –Experienced commercial revolution ( ) Shops and marketplaces appeared in cities Merchants Most highly developed manufacturing sector in the world –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 (12 th cent.)

China Vase from Song Dynasty, Fort Jesus Museum, Mombasa

China Chinese Ingenuity –Science Stress on “practical” observation  knowledge of actual working of physical universe Developments –Pharmaceutical use of plants and minerals –Insect control –Encyclopedias –Inventions Wheelbarrow Gunpowder Printing Abacus

China

Questions?

The Mongols Mongol Tribes –Nomadic, pastoralist –North of China, pressing on its frontiers –Organized into family clans –Formidable warriors

The Mongols Chinggis Khan (ca ) –General –Unified tribes  “universal ruler” –Formed highly disciplined, sophisticated army  world conquest!

The Mongols

The Mongol War Machine –The Army Superb equestrians and archers Cavalry: 50-70,000 horsemen Skilled at ambushes –Not able to expand further west Dynastic crisis at home Insufficient pasturage for horses

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 ) –Grandson of Chinggis –Greatest of the khans –Conquered Song China (1279) –Government Based in China Preserved Chinese bureaucracy  manned by foreigners –Court life Splendid! Open to foreigners

The Mongols Disintegration and Legacy –Protests, banditry, questions of succession  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 –Island network –Mountainous –Relationship with China In its orbit, but never conquered by it Borrowed selectively from it –Remained distinct Political traditions More militaristic Shinto

Japan Samurai on horseback Japanese Feudalism (by 800) –Strong “regional” political units –The Hierarchy Daimyo: the great lords Samurai –Professional soldiers –Maintained code of honor and bravery (bushido) Peasants –The emperor Not effective ruler Religious figure Capital: Kyoto

Japan Entrance gate, Kyoto Imperial Palace

Japan Hall of State Ceremonies, Kyoto Imperial Palace

Japan The Shogunate –The SHOGUN Japan’s dominant military figure Official role: chief officer to emperor Reality: effective ruler of country, demanded fidelity of daimyo Provided greater sense of centralized government –Kamakura Shogunate ( ) 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 (kami) in local shrines –No sacred book, developed theology Torii gate

Japan Buddhism in Japan –Pure Land Stressed grace of Amida Call on him  conveys souls to his Pure Land –Zen Study of Buddhism with a master How to reach enlightenment? –Constant meditation –Unanswerable questions, riddles  shock worldly mind Amida

Japan

Questions?

Post-classical Asia Differences and similarities with Islamic world and West? Differences and similarities with Islamic world and West? Differences and similarities in relation to each other? Differences and similarities in relation to each other?