China Civ Lecture 10: Song and its neighbors

Song Dynasty

Dynasty of 960–1279 marked by commercial expansion, sophisticated bureaucracy, and powerful northern rivals.

Civil Service Examinations

Competitive examinations emphasizing classical learning; expanded recruitment and prestige of scholar-officials.

Scholar-Official Class

Educated elite serving in government through examination credentials and Confucian learning.

Wang Anshi

Song reformer whose New Policies sought to strengthen state finances, defense, and economic administration.

Sima Guang

Song historian and critic of Wang Anshi's reforms; advocated more conservative governance.

Jiaozi

Early paper currency developed in Song China, reflecting monetization and expanding commercial activity.

Qingming Scroll

Famous Song painting depicting urban and commercial life; evidence of economic complexity and social diversity.

Hangzhou

Capital of Southern Song and major commercial and cultural center.

Khitan Liao

Khitan-ruled northern dynasty using distinct administrative arrangements for different populations.

Treaty of Chanyuan

1005 Song–Liao peace agreement involving annual payments and diplomatic recognition.

Western Xia

Tangut-led state neighboring Song; combined Inner Asian traditions, Buddhism, and its own writing system.

Jurchen Jin

Jurchen-led dynasty that defeated Liao and conquered northern Song territory.

Jingkang Incident

1127 capture of Kaifeng and Song emperors by Jin forces; beginning of Southern Song.

Northern and Southern Song

Division of Song history after 1127, when the court relocated south following the loss of its northern capital.

Song Commercial Revolution

Expansion of markets, cities, agricultural productivity, money, and long-distance trade.

Tribute Diplomacy

Exchange of payments, goods, and recognition used to manage relations among Song and neighboring states.