Rise of Civilization in East Asia

by Gina L. Barnes

Here is the first synthesis ever published of East Asian archaeology and early history. Drawing on dramatic new evidence made available since the 1970s, it charts the critical developments that culminated in the emergence of the region in the eighth century as a coherent entity, with a shared religion (Buddhism), state philosophy (Confucianism), and bureaucratic structure. The narrative begins over a million years ago, when early humans first colonized the Far East, and it continues through the growth of fishing and farming societies at the end of the Ice Age to the rise of social elites during the Bronze Age, and the emergence of civilization in Shang, Zhou, and Han China. The author follows the spread of rice-based agriculture, trade, and interactions between the different cultures, and the diffusion of common forms of city planning and administration. Copious photographs and drawings complement the text.

Genres: Archaeology, History

288 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1999

Reviews

[Magpie6493 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic. Now I didn't nessesarilly consume this book in an academic setting so I don't Now how useful it is for those circumstances or how outdated the information may or may not be as this was to my knowledge published at some point in the 90s.

That all being said as someone with a huge interest for history from this area of the world I was insanely happy the entire time I was reading it. This book says in part of its introduction that it's meant to serve as an intro for people on the subject of archeology in East Asia and I can definitely say as someone who has received no education on this topic that, that promise ended up being true.

I wpuld highly recommend this to someone interested in the topic but as good as an I tro as it is, this book shpuld be far from the first resource you consume regarding East Asian history. You'll have a lot more fun and get more out of it if ypure familiar with the basics.