Early China: A Social and Cultural History'Early China' refers to the period from the beginning of human history in China to the end of the Han Dynasty in AD 220. The roots of modern Chinese society and culture are all to be found in this formative period of Chinese civilization. Li Feng's new critical interpretation draws on the most recent scholarship and archaeological discoveries from the past thirty years. This fluent and engaging overview of early Chinese civilization explores key topics including the origins of the written language, the rise of the state, the Shang and Zhou religions, bureaucracy, law and governance, the evolving nature of war, the creation of empire, the changing image of art, and the philosophical search for social order. Beautifully illustrated with a wide range of new images, this book is essential reading for all those wanting to know more about the foundations of Chinese history and civilization. |
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Ancient China Anyang Archaeology army Autumn period bronze inscriptions bronze vessels bureaucracy burial Cambridge University Press capital central century BC Chang’an Civilization commanderies Confucian Confucius counties court culture Ding divination Dong Duke Early China early Western Zhou east elites Emperor Wu Erlitou excavated Han Empire Heaven Henan Huang-Lao imperial Jing kingdoms large number late Shang lineage Liu Bang located Longshan Luoyang Mencius Michael Loewe mid Western Zhou military Neolithic North China northern officials oracle bones oracle-bone inscriptions palace philosophy political pottery punishment Qin Empire regional ritual rulers scholars Shaanxi Shandong Shang Dynasty Shang king Shang Yang Sima Qian social society Spring and Autumn Statutes Taosi territorial texts tomb tradition wall Wang Mang Warring States period Wei River Wei River valley Western Zhou period Xiang Xiongnu Yangshao Yangzi Yellow River Zhangjiashan Zhao Zheng Zhengzhou Zhou king