1. Post-classical Asia

2. Post-classical Asia
Differences and similarities with Islamic world and West?
Differences and similarities among post-classical Asian civilizations?

3. China China under the Sui (580-618)
Foreign invasions  collapse of Han
Chaos! ( )  Sui rule
Sui reunified China, continued expansion
High taxes, failed military expeditions  fall of Sui

4. China China under the Tang (618-907)
Expansion through conquest, protectorates
Authority of central government reestablished
Bureaucracy elaborated
Golden age for Buddhism

5. China Empress Wu Zetian (624-705) Began as concubine  empress
Ruled on her own ( )
Advised by scholars
Strengthened monarchy, promoted talent in government

6. China China under the Song (960-1278) Came to power after civil war
Suffered attacks by central Asian nomads
Presided over vibrant economy!

7. 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

8. China
Emperor Huizong, Court Ladies Preparing Newly Woven Silk (12th cent.)

9. Fort Jesus Museum, Mombasa
China
Vase from Song Dynasty,
Fort Jesus Museum, Mombasa

10. China

11. China

12. China

13. China
Questions?

14. The Mongols Mongol Tribes Nomadic, pastoralist North of China
Organized into family clans
Formidable warriors!

15. The Mongols Chinggis Khan (ca. 1165-1227) General
Unified tribes  “universal ruler”
Formed highly disciplined, sophisticated army

16. The Mongols

17. The Mongols

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. The Mongols
Questions?

23. Japan Japan Island network Never conquered by China
Borrowed selectively from it
Remained distinct
Political traditions
More militaristic
Shinto

24. Japan Japanese Feudalism Strong “regional” political units
Feudal warfare!
Emperor: figurehead, religious
Daimyo
Samurai
Samurai on horseback

25. Japan

26. Japan
Entrance gate, Kyoto Imperial Palace

27. Japan
Hall of State Ceremonies, Kyoto Imperial Palace

28. 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 ( )
Period of great peace
Successfully resisted 2 Mongol invasions!
Collapse  renewed internal warfare

29. Japan Shinto Japan’s native religion “Way of the gods”
Worshiped spirits of nature in local shrines
No sacred book, developed theology
Torii gate

30. Japan Zen Buddhism Study of Buddhism with a master
Path to enlightenment
Constant meditation
Shock worldly mind with unanswerable questions, riddles

31. Japan
Questions?

32. Post-classical Asia
Differences and similarities with Islamic world and West?
Differences and similarities among post-classical Asian civilizations?