Violence and the Rise of Centralized States in East Asia

Violence was used by states in ancient East Asia to create and display authority, and was entangled in the savage or criminal violence whose suppression justified their power. The themes examined include the emergence of the warrior as a human type, the overlap of hunts and combat, sacrifice of alien captives and death attendants, military specialization, and the increased scale of armies, as well as the emergent ideal of self-sacrifice.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Violence, whether physical or nonphysical, plays a central role in any society, yet it paradoxically serves as a means to address the very problem it purports to solve. This Element delves into the historical context of ancient East Asia, spanning from the late Shang dynasty to the end of the Han dynasty, to explore how states employed violence to establish and showcase their authority. It also uncovers the intricate relationship between the licit and savage or criminal violence employed by these states, which was justified by the need to suppress such violence. To enhance the understanding of these dynamics, the East Asian cases are complemented with references to analogous Western counterparts. The themes examined in this Element include the emergence of the warrior as a distinct human type, the overlap between hunting and combat, the sacrifice of both alien captives and members of one's own group, the impact of military specialization and the expansion of armies, the rise of the ideal of self-sacrifice, and the diverse manifestations of violence within the regime of law.

Introduction:
Violence, in all its forms, has been a persistent feature of human societies throughout history. While it may be used to protect and preserve, it can also be wielded as a tool of oppression and control. In ancient East Asia, the use of violence was not only a means to establish and maintain power but also a means to express and display authority. This Element will explore how states in ancient East Asia employed violence to create and display authority, as well as how their licit violence was intertwined with the savage or criminal violence that justified their power.

The Emergence of the Warrior:
One of the most significant themes in the history of ancient East Asia was the emergence of the warrior as a human type. Warriors were not just soldiers or fighters but individuals who had undergone rigorous training and were skilled in the art of warfare. They were respected and feared by their peers and were often seen as symbols of power and prestige. The emergence of the warrior as a human type was closely linked to the development of military technology and the expansion of trade networks. As societies became more complex and interdependent, the need for organized military forces increased, and the warrior became a crucial component of this system.

The Overlap of Hunts and Combat:
Another theme that emerged in ancient East Asia was the overlap of hunts and combat. While hunting was a traditional activity for many communities, it often spilled over into conflict with neighboring groups. This overlap was particularly evident in the region's early history, when nomadic tribes were constantly on the move and were often in competition for resources. The use of violence in hunting was not just a means to obtain food but also a way to assert dominance and control over neighboring groups.

Sacrifice of Alien Captives and Death Attendants:
Another aspect of ancient East Asian violence was the sacrifice of alien captives and death attendants. In many societies, the capture of enemy soldiers or civilians was seen as a way to demonstrate the strength and power of the state. The sacrifice of these individuals was often accompanied by elaborate rituals and ceremonies, which were designed to honor and appease the gods and ensure the continued prosperity of the state. However, the sacrifice of alien captives and death attendants was also a form of violence that was justified by the need to suppress savage or criminal violence.

The Impact of Military Specialization and the Increased Scale of Armies:
The development of military technology and the expansion of trade networks also led to the increased scale of armies. As societies became more complex and interdependent, the need for organized military forces increased, and the size of armies grew accordingly. The increased scale of armies had a significant impact on the nature of warfare and the use of violence. With larger armies, states were able to exert greater control over their territories and populations, and the use of violence became more systematic and organized.

The Emergent Ideal of Self-Sacrifice:
Another theme that emerged in ancient East Asia was the ideal of self-sacrifice. While the use of violence was often seen as a means to assert dominance and control, there were also instances where individuals and communities were willing to sacrifice themselves for the greater good. This ideal was particularly evident in the context of warfare, where soldiers were willing to risk their lives in order to protect their fellow soldiers and their communities. The ideal of self-sacrifice was also closely linked to the concept of honor and reputation, as individuals and communities sought to uphold their honor and reputation by engaging in acts of self-sacrifice.

Diverse Aspects of Violence in the Regime of Law:
Finally, the regime of law in ancient East Asia was characterized by a diverse range of aspects of violence. While the use of violence was often justified by the need to suppress savage or criminal violence, there were also instances where violence was used to maintain order and stability. The legal system in many societies was complex and multifaceted, and the use of violence was often intertwined with other forms of social and political control.

In conclusion, violence, whether physical or nonphysical, has played a central role in the history of ancient East Asia. While it may be used to address the very problem it purports to solve, it is also a means to assert and display authority. The emergence of the warrior as a human type, the overlap of hunts and combat, the sacrifice of alien captives and death attendants, the impact of military specialization and the increased scale of armies, the emergence of the ideal of self-sacrifice, and the diverse aspects of violence in the regime of law are all themes that emerged in this region. By examining these themes, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of violence in ancient East Asia and its impact on the development of human societies.

Weight: 108g
Dimension: 195 x 228 x 6 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108972147
Edition number: New ed