Search
Search Results
Article
Daily Life in Ancient China
Daily life in ancient China changed through the centuries but reflected the values of the presence of gods and one's ancestors in almost every time period. Villages like Banpo show evidence of a matriarchal society, where there was a priestly...
Image
Han Women, Dahuting Tomb.
A detail of the wall paintings in the Han era Dahuting tomb showing two women. 25-220 CE. Zhengzhou, Henan province, China.
Definition
Sargonid Dynasty
The Sargonid Dynasty was the last ruling house of the Neo-Assyrian Empire from 722-612 BCE, beginning with the reign of Sargon II and ending with fall of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. Some of the most famous kings in the history of Assyria come...
Article
The Art of the Tang Dynasty
The art of the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) began to explore new possibilities in materials and styles with landscape painting and ceramics, in particular, coming to the fore. New techniques, a wider range of colours and an increase in connoisseurship...
Definition
Shi Huangdi
Shi Huangdi (l.259-210 BCE/r.221-210 BCE, also known as Qin Shi Huang, Qin Shih Huandi, Shi Huangti or Shih Huan-ti) was the first emperor of a unified China. Shi Huangdi means `First Emperor' and is a title, not a proper name. The Qin Dynasty...
Definition
Diotid Dynasty
The Diodotids were a Greco-Bactrian dynasty of kings, composed of the two rulers Diodotos I and his son Diodotos II. The dynasty lasted between c. 250 BCE and c. 230 BCE, which was very short but significant because Diodotos I was the first...
Image
Map of the Eastern Hemisphere (1 CE)
Map showing the political division in the Eastern hemisphere in 1 CE. The Han dynasty was almost at its peak in terms of geographical expansion.
Definition
Ancient Armenia
Ancient Armenia, located in the south Caucasus area of Eurasia, was settled in the Neolithic era but its first recorded state proper was the kingdom of Urartu from the 9th century BCE. Incorporated into the Persian Empire of Cyrus the Great...
Article
Eunuchs in Ancient China
Eunuchs were powerful political players in ancient Chinese government. Originating as trusted slaves in the royal household they were ambitious to use their favoured position to gain political power. Advising the emperor from within the palace...
Image
Han Lacquered Bowl
A red and black lacquered bowl from the Western Han Dynasty, China. 206 BCE - 9 CE. (Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York)