The resurgence of modern China has generated much interest, not only in the country’s present day activities, but also in its long history. As the only uninterrupted ancient civilization still alive today, the study of China’s past promises to offer invaluable insights into understanding contemporary China.
Providing coverage of the entire Imperial Era (221 BCE–1912 CE), this handbook takes a chronological approach. It includes comprehensive analysis of all major periods, from the powerful Han empire which rivalled Rome, and the crucial transformative period of the Five Dynasties, to the prosperous Ming era and the later dominance of the non-Han peoples. With contributions from a team of international authors, key themes include:
Political events and leadership
Religion and philosophy
Cultural and literary achievements
Legal, economic, and military institutions
This book transcends the traditional boundaries of historiography, giving special attention to the role of archaeology. As such, the
Routledge Handbook of Imperial Chinese History
is an indispensable reference work for students and scholars of Chinese, Asian, and World History.