Review on East Asian Developments 1200 AD

Song Dynasty

A Chinese dynasty that ruled from 960 to 1279, known for its prosperity and advancements following the Tang Dynasty.

Bureaucracy

A complex system of government administration that was established during the Qin Dynasty and further developed in the Song Dynasty, relying on civil service exams for official appointments.

Civil Service Exam

A competitive examination system that allowed individuals, regardless of social class, to gain government positions based on merit rather than heredity, focusing on Confucian texts, history, and culture.

Champa Rice

A drought-resistant rice strain from Vietnam that significantly increased agricultural production in China during the Song Dynasty, allowing for double harvesting each year.

Chinese Proto-Industrialization

The early stage of industrial development in China during the Song Dynasty, characterized by the production of goods for profit rather than necessity, including silk, tea, and porcelain.

Scholar Gentry

An elite social class that emerged during the Song Dynasty, consisting of educated bureaucrats who outnumbered the traditional aristocracy and were influential in society.

Foot Binding

A Chinese practice that involved tightly wrapping young girls' feet to alter their shape, symbolizing beauty and status, and reflecting patriarchal values in society.

Woodblock Printing

A printing technique that allowed for the mass reproduction of texts, contributing to the spread of literature, Confucian, and Buddhist texts in China during the Song Dynasty.

Tributary System

A network established by China with surrounding regions, requiring them to acknowledge Chinese authority and provide tribute in the form of money or goods.

Heian Period

A period in Japanese history when cultural and artistic influences from China were prominent, leading to the emulation of Chinese art, politics, and literature.

Confucianism

A philosophical and ethical system based on the teachings of Confucius, which emphasized morality, social relationships, and justice, significantly influencing Chinese society and governance.