China and the Roman Orient: Researches into their Ancient and Medieval Relations as Represented in Early Chinese Records

Friedrich Hirth's China and the Roman Orient is a groundbreaking work that uses linguistic, geographical, and historical analysis of ancient Chinese records to reconstruct the ancient trade routes used by the Chinese and reveal their knowledge of the Roman Empire. This new edition, with a new introduction by Victor Mair, is a valuable resource for scholars and students of history and culture.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 368 pages
\n Publication date: 15 July 2021
\n Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
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The Chinese and Roman empires, both dominant forces of their time, ruled over a significant portion of the world's population during their coexistence. However, despite their shared dominance, their knowledge of each other was limited. In his groundbreaking book, "China and the Roman Orient," Friedrich Hirth employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining linguistic, geographical, and historical analysis of ancient Chinese records, to reconstruct the ancient trade routes used by the Chinese and shed light on their understanding of the Roman Empire. Hirth's meticulous research on the original Chinese sources not only provides valuable insights into the geography, history, and commerce of the period but also sheds light on the cultural exchanges and interactions between these two great civilizations.

"China and the Roman Orient" quickly gained recognition as a seminal work in the field. It has since become an indispensable resource, widely cited by scholars and researchers. However, due to its scarcity, a new edition was long overdue. This revised and updated edition, published by Cambridge University Press, is a testament to the enduring significance of Hirth's work. It includes a new introduction by renowned contemporary scholar Victor Mair, Professor of Chinese Language and Literature at the University of Pennsylvania, USA.

Mair's introduction provides a fresh perspective on the book, highlighting its historical significance and its relevance in the contemporary world. He discusses the enduring impact of the Chinese and Roman empires on global history and the ways in which Hirth's work contributes to our understanding of these complex civilizations.

The book itself is divided into three parts. The first part explores the ancient trade routes between China and the Roman Empire, providing a detailed account of the routes, commodities, and cultural exchanges that took place during this period. Hirth's analysis of the Chinese records reveals the extent of Chinese knowledge about the Roman Empire, including its political structure, economic systems, and cultural practices.

The second part of the book focuses on the cultural interactions between the Chinese and the Romans. Hirth examines the ways in which the Chinese adopted and adapted Roman technologies, such as papermaking, printing, and engineering, while also incorporating their own cultural traditions into these innovations. He also explores the impact of Roman literature, art, and philosophy on Chinese culture, highlighting the ways in which the two civilizations influenced each other.

The third part of the book examines the political and diplomatic relations between China and the Roman Empire. Hirth discusses the various treaties, agreements, and conflicts that took place. He also explores the role of the Chinese emperors in the Roman imperial court, highlighting the ways in which they sought to establish and maintain diplomatic relations with the Roman emperors.

Throughout the book, Hirth employs a rigorous and analytical approach, drawing on a wide range of primary and secondary sources. He carefully examines the linguistic and cultural nuances of the Chinese records, providing a detailed and nuanced understanding of the period. His analysis is supported by a wealth of illustrations, maps, and tables, which help to visualize the complex relationships and interactions between the Chinese and the Romans.

"China and the Roman Orient" is a groundbreaking work that has significantly contributed to our understanding of the ancient world. It provides a comprehensive and multidisciplinary perspective on the Chinese and Roman empires, shedding light on their shared history, cultural exchanges, and political interactions. This new edition, with its updated introduction by Victor Mair, is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the history and culture of the ancient world.

\n Weight: 696g\n
Dimension: 162 x 242 x 27 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780755639373\n \n