These chapters focused on the rise of the Song dynasty, known in this period as the northern Song. Chapter 8 examined the Xi Xia to the northwest of the Song. Chapter 5 contained an interesting commentary on the limits of the Chinese emperor’s (huangdi) power. First, he was constrained by Confucian norms and the values… Continue reading Imperial China, Chs 5-8
Tag: Imperial China
Imperial China, Chs 2-4: Liao hybrid government and ‘concavity vs convexity’
These chapters examine the Liao Empire (916-1125), a dynasty of warrior-nomads who were key players in Asian regional politics. There were lots of interesting details in these chapters, but it’s the Liao’s style of government that I’ll focus on here. The core problem faced by steppe-warriors who conquered parts of China in this era was… Continue reading Imperial China, Chs 2-4: Liao hybrid government and ‘concavity vs convexity’
F. W. Mote’s Imperial China, 900-1800. Ch1: ‘The Five Dynasties’
I’m going to blog my way through this book, reading a chapter at a time and then posting notes and observations. I have a strong interest in China, but I am not an expert on the country in this or any other period, so pointers and corrections are welcome (contact details are here). Mote sets… Continue reading F. W. Mote’s Imperial China, 900-1800. Ch1: ‘The Five Dynasties’