Ming China and its Allies: Imperial Rule in Eurasia

On the eve of the early modern age, the Ming emperors ruled around one-quarter of the globe's population, had the largest standing army, and the most affluent economy. David M. Robinson's study explores Ming emperors' relations with descendants of Ghengis Khan and their Mongol supporters, showing that even rulers needed allies and were willing to pay for them.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 262 pages
Publication date: 26 October 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The Ming emperors, ruling at the dawn of the early modern era, held a remarkable dominion over a vast expanse of the world. They reigned over a significant portion of the global population, presided over the most bustling urban centers, commanded the largest standing army on the planet, and boasted the most prosperous economy of their time. Contrary to the perception of isolation, the Ming court stood as the epicenter of political patronage in East Eurasia, arguably rivaling any other center in the world. While the Ming throne might exude a sense of superiority, it was acutely aware of the importance of securing allegiance from ruling elites in neighboring regions. In his groundbreaking study, David M. Robinson delves into the intricate relationships between the Ming emperors and the descendants of Ghengis Khan, known as the Mongols, and their supporters. This revisionist yet accessible account sheds light on the international dimensions of Chinese rule, revealing that even the mighty Ming emperors were compelled to forge alliances and were willing to invest resources to secure them.

The Ming emperors, ruling at the dawn of the early modern era, held a remarkable dominion over a vast expanse of the world. They reigned over a significant portion of the global population, presided over the most bustling urban centers, commanded the largest standing army on the planet, and boasted the most prosperous economy of their time. Contrary to the perception of isolation, the Ming court stood as the epicenter of political patronage in East Eurasia, arguably rivaling any other center in the world. While the Ming throne might exude a sense of superiority, it was acutely aware of the importance of securing allegiance from ruling elites in neighboring regions. In his groundbreaking study, David M. Robinson delves into the intricate relationships between the Ming emperors and the descendants of Ghengis Khan, known as the Mongols, and their supporters. This revisionist yet accessible account sheds light on the international dimensions of Chinese rule, revealing that even the mighty Ming emperors were compelled to forge alliances and were willing to invest resources to secure them.

The Ming emperors, ruling at the dawn of the early modern era, held a remarkable dominion over a vast expanse of the world. They reigned over a significant portion of the global population, presided over the most bustling urban centers, commanded the largest standing army on the planet, and boasted the most prosperous economy of their time. Contrary to the perception of isolation, the Ming court stood as the epicenter of political patronage in East Eurasia, arguably rivaling any other center in the world. While the Ming throne might exude a sense of superiority, it was acutely aware of the importance of securing allegiance from ruling elites in neighboring regions. In his groundbreaking study, David M. Robinson delves into the intricate relationships between the Ming emperors and the descendants of Ghengis Khan, known as the Mongols, and their supporters. This revisionist yet accessible account sheds light on the international dimensions of Chinese rule, revealing that even the mighty Ming emperors were compelled to forge alliances and were willing to invest resources to secure them.

The Ming emperors, ruling at the dawn of the early modern era, held a remarkable dominion over a vast expanse of the world. They reigned over a significant portion of the global population, presided over the most bustling urban centers, commanded the largest standing army on the planet, and boasted the most prosperous economy of their time. Contrary to the perception of isolation, the Ming court stood as the epicenter of political patronage in East Eurasia, arguably rivaling any other center in the world. While the Ming throne might exude a sense of superiority, it was acutely aware of the importance of securing allegiance from ruling elites in neighboring regions. In his groundbreaking study, David M. Robinson delves into the intricate relationships between the Ming emperors and the descendants of Ghengis Khan, known as the Mongols, and their supporters. This revisionist yet accessible account sheds light on the international dimensions of Chinese rule, revealing that even the mighty Ming emperors were compelled to forge alliances and were willing to invest resources to secure them.

ISBN-13: 9781108733649