Asia

Kevin China fell into a major power vacuum after the after the fall of the Han empire in 220 C.E. at the end of the classical period. Then after several hundred years of a separated state China was reunited by the Sui dynasty in 589 C.E.
 * China 550-1450**

However, their reign did not last long and the **Tang Dynasty** took control in 618 C.E.(-906 C.E. ) Under the Tang dynasty China experienced a time of growth that had not been matched for hundreds of years. Chinese rule streched to Central Asia, Mongolia, TIbet, and the southern coast of current day China. They also dominated several of surrounding countries forcing them to pay tribute to remain independent**(expansion/conquest)**. While they expanded their geographical boundaries they also expanded the reach of their trade network. One main resource was the silk trade (**Expansion of economic systems).** Silk and spices were sent across the continent via the **Silk Road** to Europe in exchange for manufactured goods. Tang China also pushed their trade South East Asia taking control of the Indian Ocean Trade Network. The Tang Dynasty collapsed in 906 C.E. due to lower class rebellions and a weak military presence. After the Tang Dynasty ended China fell into a short period without national unity.


 * Song Dynasty**- Then in 960 C.E. the **Song dynasty** took control of central and eastern China.
 * Culture-** The Song continued to shape Chinese culture with their sciences and mathematics. They developed a basic working compass, invented g**unpowder**, and spread the use of **paper money.** Song China is also known for the revival of neoconfucianism. Women were also greatly subordinate during the Song Dynasty.
 * First Economy to use paper money in mass


 * Mongolian China /Yuan Empire-** The Mongols of Northern Asia found China and enticing area and were constantly try to dominate the country. Genghis Khan made several advances into the territory and his grandson Kublai Kahn finally conquered all of the Song dynasty in 1279 C.E. Although they were conquerers the mongols adapted numerous Chinese customs and actually unified China to a greater level than the Song dynasty. The mongol Empire also created a cultural hot bed by bringing in artists, craftsmen, and intellectuals from all across their expansive empire.


 * Ming Dynasty -** The Ming Dynasty was able to topple the Mongolian rule in 1368 C.E. and established a reign that would last until 1644 C.E. The Ming Dynasty established a strong rule over China and is recognized as one of the greatest Chinese Dynasties. While they did not exploit trade to the West as much as the earlier dynasties they expanded their water based trade routes to South East through the great power of their navy. The Ming Dynasty is famous for its culture and specifically its art. Also Confucianism and Buddhism became equal leaders in Chinese philosophy. Overall China's presence during the Post-Classical Era was highlighted by a regular succession of dynasties due to lower class rebellion, as well as excelling in cultural aspects such as art and philosophy, while also expanding its trade routes across the Eastern World.
 * All Chinese dynasties in this time were extremely patriarchal and supressed the role of women

The rest of Eastern Asia made up a small aspect of the Asian Identity during the Post-Classical period because the Time period was so heavily dominated by China. All of these countries were forced into some type of tributary system by China. **
 * JAPAN KOREA VIETNAM


 * Japan**- The greatest cultural time in Post-Classical Japanese period was the **Heian period from (794-1185)**. It was named such for the new capital that they transfered to in 794 C.E. During this time the emperors had no true power as all the power rested with the Chancellor or advisor to the crown. This period was marked heavily by Chinese influence. Buddhism was introduced and played a major role in Japanese culture as it was established as the main religion. They also adapted a writing system, artistic, and architectural style very similar to the Chinese. This time as an imperialistic society came to an end in 1185 as the ruling family lost power to the **shogunates. The Shogunates reign was marked by war and the regional government that was established in Japan. THe Shoguns were generals who divided the country and ruled their district as a seperate entity, (Similar to a feudal system).**
 * Bushido- Code of Conduct for the Japanese men similar to chivalry

Korea and Vietnam- Korea and Vietnam had a minute impact on world history as separate entities but they did play a role as small pieces of the extended Chinese empire. Both countries were forced into a tributary system by the Chinese Empire. This means that although each country had its own emperor, it was basically extra territory for China to rule. Also the extra land provided China with more area for agriculture to feed their large empire.
 * Block Printing may have begun in Korea
 * The use of rice patties originated in Vietnam


 * Mongols-** The Mongol Empire appeared as a major world factor in the early 13th century. The many clans of the Empire were united around this time by **Chinngis Khan**** . By connecting all of the Mongolian Clans, Chinngis was able to turn all of their attention to the domination of other Empires. The Mongolian empire was comprised almost entirely of horses which made their armies extremely mobile and versatile. The Mongols always left a massive path of destruction in their wake, although they did allow great scholars and artists to live so that they could aide to the culture of their new empire. **


 * A Khagan was the leader of all the Mongol Tribes aka Chinngis Khan.
 * The Mongols used a feign retreat to draw out enemy soldiers and then surrounded them with overwhelming force. (This was their most popular tactic)