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You are here: Experts > Cultures > Indian Culture > Asian/Middle Eastern History > influence of other civilization upon Chinese civilization
Asian/Middle Eastern History - influence of other civilization upon Chinese civilization
Expert: Jennifer - 9/2/2008
Question
Chinese civilization looks more independent of other early civilizations. After the retirement from Goldman Sachs 9 years ago, I have been studying global history focusing on influence of other civilizations to particular civilization. I have come to a conclusion that even Greek civilization was influenced by more advanced Middle Eastern/Northern African civilizations. Among all the civilizations of humankind, I could say that perhaps Inca, Mayan or Aztec civilization was more independent of other civilization of the world. However what about the Chinese civilization? I could see the possibility that bronze or iron technology perhaps came from other civilizations because of the late entry of China in the Bronze/iron age. I could think about central Asian influence on Chin's military skills and weapons as the original location of Chin was in the border of central Asia. My question to you is "Is there any books or scholars focusing on influence on China's civilization by other civilizations?" I would appreciate it very
much if you could suggest some guidance to this question.
Answer
Dear Hiromi,
You have asked a very interesting question. Historians typically classify the Shang Dynasty as the beginning of civilization in China. This is because before that, there was no real records of writing - something which characterizes a civilization. The 2nd dynasty after the Shang Dynasty is the Qin Dynasty, which is historically important because the Qin Emperor, Shi Huangdi, ordered the Great Wall of China to be built as a defence against the Mongolians. This is important because it points to the fact that China did not have much contact with foreigners except during war time. However, during the Tang dynasty, China was influenced tremendously by Western cultures as well. The discovery of the Silk Road to Venice meant that there were a lot of trade that took place between China and the West. In terms of culture, silk was discovered during the Shang Dynasty, and remained a secret for a very long. Silk was something valued highly by the foreigners during the Tang Dynasty.
Most historians believe that the rise of the Shang dynasty and Indus Civilization took place independent of other civilizations. Despite the presence of other groups of people, their number is not big enough to cause a significant impact on the civilization.
I think it would be helpful for you to pick up a book on the history of the Mongolians. The Mongolians ruled the Chinese from time to time and their frequent attacks on China definitely had an impact on the civilization.
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