A Brief History of Ancient China

A Brief History of Ancient China provides a comprehensive account of the first two millennia of Chinese history, examining political shifts, local states, and key individuals. It incorporates recent developments and archaeological discoveries, highlighting the lives of underrepresented groups.

Format: Hardback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 10 August 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

A Brief History of Ancient China is a comprehensive and engaging account of China's first two millennia,spanning from the legendary rulers Yao and Shun in approximately 2000 BCE to the end of the Qin dynasty in 221-207 BCE. Written in a traditional Chinese historical format, the book aims to present a multi-faceted perspective on this period of history.

The book is organized into five major sections, each exploring different aspects of ancient China. The first section examines the political shifts and dynasties that shaped China's early history. It explores the rise and fall of various kingdoms, the conflicts between them, and the contributions of key individuals such as Emperor Wu and King Zheng. The second section focuses on the histories of local states and their interactions with the central government. It sheds light on the development of different cultures, languages, and customs in various regions of China and the role of local rulers and officials in maintaining order and stability.

The third section delves into the lives of key individuals who played significant roles in China's history. It includes biographies of famous scholars, artists, and politicians, such as Confucius, Laozi, and Qin Shi Huang. These profiles provide insight into the intellectual and cultural developments of the time, as well as the personal struggles and achievements of these individuals. The fourth section examines the contemporary religious and philosophical landscape of ancient China. It explores the beliefs and practices of various religions, such as Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, as well as the philosophical ideas of scholars such as Mencius and Xunzi. The book also discusses the role of religion in government and society and the impact of religious beliefs on legal and ethical practices.

The fifth section of the book focuses on innovations in writing, literature, and music during the ancient Chinese period. It explores the development of different writing systems, such as hieroglyphics and Chinese characters, and the evolution of literature and poetry. It also discusses the emergence of musical instruments and the development of musical styles and genres.

In addition to its historical content, A Brief History of Ancient China incorporates recent developments in the field of archaeology. The book draws on archaeological discoveries from the last century, providing valuable insights into the material culture and daily life of ancient China. It examines the lives of central female figures, often underrepresented in traditional historical accounts, and sheds light on the experiences and contributions of other groups, such as slaves and artisans.

Overall, A Brief History of Ancient China is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about China's rich and complex history. It provides a comprehensive and accessible account of the period, incorporating a wide range of sources and perspectives. By exploring the political, social, cultural, and intellectual developments of ancient China, the book offers a deeper understanding of the origins of the modern Chinese nation and its place in the world.
A Brief History of Ancient China is a comprehensive and engaging account of China's first two millennia,spanning from the legendary rulers Yao and Shun in approximately 2000 BCE to the end of the Qin dynasty in 221-207 BCE. Written in a traditional Chinese historical format, the book aims to present a multi-faceted perspective on this period of history.

The book is organized into five major sections, each exploring different aspects of ancient China. The first section examines the political shifts and dynasties that shaped China's early history. It explores the rise. The rise and fall of various kingdoms, the conflicts between them, and the contributions of key individuals such as Emperor Wu and King Zheng. The second section focuses on the histories of local states and their interactions with the central government. It sheds light on the development of different cultures, languages, and customs in various regions of China and the role of local rulers and officials in maintaining order and stability.

The third section delves into the lives of key individuals who played significant roles in China's history. It includes biographies of famous scholars, artists, and politicians, such as Confucius, Laozi, and Qin Shi Huang. These profiles provide insight into the intellectual and cultural developments of the time, as well as the personal struggles and achievements of these individuals. The fourth section examines the contemporary religious and philosophical landscape of ancient China. It explores the beliefs and practices of various religions, such as Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, as well as the philosophical ideas of scholars such as Mencius and Xunzi. The book also discusses the role of religion in government and society and the impact of religious beliefs on legal and ethical practices.

The fifth section of the book focuses on innovations in writing, literature, and music during the ancient Chinese period. It explores the development of different writing systems, such as hieroglyphics and Chinese characters, and the evolution of literature and poetry. It also discusses the emergence of musical instruments and the development of musical styles and genres.

In addition to its historical content, A Brief History of Ancient China incorporates recent developments in the field of archaeology. The book draws on archaeological discoveries from the last century, providing valuable insights into the material culture and daily life of ancient China. It examines the lives of central female figures, often underrepresented in traditional historical accounts, and sheds light on the experiences and contributions of other groups, such as slaves and artisans.

Overall, A Brief History of Ancient China is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about China's rich and complex history. It provides a comprehensive and accessible account of the period, incorporating a wide range of sources and perspectives. By exploring the political, social, cultural, and intellectual developments of ancient China, the book offers a deeper understanding of the origins.

Weight: 644g
Dimension: 146 x 224 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350170414