The War with China, Part 1

Ancient East Asia was a rich tapestry of various beliefs, customs, religious rituals, and spirituality. In this episode, we explore the various practices of the Yayoi regarding divination, shamanism, and ocean voyages.Check out the supplemental post for pictures of the Izumo Shrine and Ise Shrine referred to in this episode!Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, and many other online platforms!

24 Elo 202014min

Against a backdrop of disunity and warfare, three philosophies would stand the test of time and continue to influence government, religion, and worldviews today. Join me as we explore Confucianism, Taoism, and Legalism and the underlying assumptions which supported their adoption in ancient China.Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, and many other online platforms!

20 Elo 202017min

Global trade is a concept nearly as old as civilization itself. Ancient China utilized trade networks as a means of learning about other cultures, adopting and sharing new ideas, and promoting friendly tributary relations with their neighbors. The Han Dynasty, however, would push trade to its limits, eventually exchanging goods from as far away as western Europe. Check out the supplemental post for a trade map, a roman coin, and the coolest legal tender ever created - knife money! Support th...

17 Elo 20208min

In this episode, we explore the changes that began to occur in the southern and northern regions of the Korean Peninsula during the Yayoi Period, as well as the impact those changes had on Japan and China.Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, and many other online platforms!

13 Elo 202013min

War rages across Zhou Dynasty as the former states become kingdoms and set their eyes toward national domination. Ultimately the kingdom of Qin would claim the throne for themselves, thanks in part to the reforms of legalist scholar Shang Yang. After the Qin's collapse, the Han Dynasty would rise from their ashes and rule China for four hundred years. Don't forget to check out the supplemental post for maps, artwork, and a very interesting re-creation of the pigments that originally adorned ...

10 Elo 202018min

In this episode, the Shang Dynasty falls and the Zhou Dynasty rises to take its place. But being the faction at the top is harder than it looks, and over time the Zhou suffer a gradual decline. However, the political and philosophical ideas which they nurtured continue to influence East Asian thought today.Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, and many other online platforms!

6 Elo 202013min

As bronze and iron implements gradually made their way to Japan from China, they began to transform the culture of the Yayoi people in some very interesting ways. In this episode, we'll explore those changes and the larger effects on the emerging Yayoi polities as well as Japan as a whole.Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, and many other online platforms!

3 Elo 202011min

The early Yayoi period was largely egalitarian, with village leaders being chosen on their own merits. By the end of the period, a strict hierarchy emerged between commoners and a hereditary elite. In this episode, we'll explore the broad strokes of how this change came about, and explore the archaeology that informs our understanding. Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, and many other online ...

30 Heinä 202015min