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The Origins of Chinese Civilization with Charles Higham
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How did civilizations emerge in China? This seminar will trace the fundamental foundations of early states–the domestication of millet and rice. We’ll learn how this evolved to the rise of complex societies that have proved the longest-lived that we know of so far. This seminar is the perfect fit for anyone with an interest in civilizations and their intriguing evolutions.
How does a civilization begin? This is one of the fundamental questions confronted by archaeologists. All civilizations have in common, social inequality. So we have to ask, what led members of a society to accept a lower status, while kings ruled over them?
In China, we must first find out when and how two vital plants were domesticated: millet in the Yellow River region and rice in the Yangtze valley. We can then explore the upshot. We’ll learn how in the former region, it was not long before we find elite burials of the new ruling class, palaces, sumptuous burials. What has come recently as a surprise, is to find that other civilizations rose at the same time further south, for example in the great city of Sanxingdui in Sichuan.
Led by an expert on Eastern civilizations, this interactive seminar will deepen our understanding of the origins of Chinese civilization. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased insight into how the longest-living civilizations (that we know of today) came into existence.
Charles Higham is Emeritus Professor of Anthropology at the University of Otago, New Zealand. He is an archaeologist with a particular interest in the origins of Southeast Asian civilizations. His excavations in Thailand and Cambodia have greatly increased our understanding of how the great Kingdom of Angkor began, how God-Kings were revered, and with a climatic deterioration, how it came to an end.
This conversation is suitable for all ages.
90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.
CHARLES HIGHAM ONCE AGAIN GAVE ME A LESSON IN CIVILIZATION - HIS TALKS ARE SO FULL OF WONDERFUL INFORMATION ABOUT THE WORLD AND HUMANITY!
Charles Highman gave an outstanding presentation on early archeological sites that he personally visited and studied with his Chinese colleagues. His extensive knowledge of early international history, political science, and sociology added a special dimension to his narration.
Dr. Higham - one could not have a more knowledgeable man on early Chinese Civilizations . He was entertaining and the sites of the early tombs was fantastic!
Great information and beautiful photos of archaeological digs from early China. Enjoyed this immensely!
Prof Higham way of teaching is clear, simple and elegant.