Sunday Blog- Early China
Early China is far more complex to be summarized in a paragraph or two. Early China consists of the time before 220 CE and the first dynasty (Xia) was simply based off of constructed mythology rather than physical evidence. Based on the readings, it seems as though early China was built from the blood and sweat of those who are now considered to be the cornerstone of the modern China we see now. The historical facts of early China are blurred due to the lack of information. For example, the Shang society was the second historical dynasty, but it is considered to be China’s first historical dynasty due to the artifacts. An estimated 150,000 fragments of inscribed Shang oracle bones were discovered.
The primary source texts helps me understand the complex nature of the job of the early China historian due how it would focus on the motives of the early China historian. By explaining the motives, the primary source text helps me understand how difficult it was as an early China historian. They were expected to observe and research religious beliefs of the Shang society such as the 60 day names where there would be 10 heavenly stems combined with 12 earthly branches, etc.
*DISCLAIMER: I was not able to attend class on Thursday (9/23) due to sickness, so I was forced to miss the group discussions*
