Unification and Collapse in China
The 200s-400s was a busy time in China, full of dramatic rises and falls of many dynasties and conquerors. What effect did this tumultous time have on the Korean peninsula and Japan? For maps and pic...
24 Sep 202021min
The Age of Tombs and Kings
During Japan's Kofun Period (250-552CE), communities were periodically organized to build massive tomb mounds which still pepper its landscape to this day. What was the purpose of these massive monume...
21 Sep 202017min
BONUS: The Gishi-Wajinden
In this special bonus episode, I will read aloud a translation of the Gishi-Wajinden. This is the portion of the Records of Wei that involves third-century Japan.You can read a translation of it here....
3 Sep 202023min
BONUS: Excerpts from Chinese Philosophy
For your listening pleasure, I read excerpts from the Analects, the Tao te Ching, the Han Feizi, and, for good measure, The Art of War. Check out the supplementary post for links to freely available ...
31 Aug 202026min
Queen Himiko of Yamatai
According to the Records of Wei, a leader emerged at the end of the Yayoi Period who successfully united thirty of Japan's chiefdom under her own leadership. Who was Queen Himiko, and where was her el...
27 Aug 202015min
Mythology, Customs, and Religion
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, ...
24 Aug 202014min
Three Philosophies of Ancient China
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, Ta...
20 Aug 202017min
East Asian Trade
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 friendl...
17 Aug 20208min
