Post-Classical Era Timeline: Rachel Couture

Sui Dynasty

581

The Sui Dynasty lasted from 581-618. It is known for unifying China after the fall of the Han Dynasty. One of its main accomplishments was building the Grand Canal which improved communication and the transport of goods.
(https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1443/)

The Grand Canal

582

The Sui Dynasty which lasted from 581-618 began working on the Grand Canal. The bustling waters from the Yangtze Delta were very high, but more than that, the country needed a way to communicate. The canal facilitated the movement of goods, cultures, and people and is still used today.
(https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1443/)

Fall of the Sui Dynasty

618

The Sui Dynasty of China fell in 618. First, the dynasty was involved in many public works projects like the Grand Canal and the Great Wall, which drained many resources and money. In addition, the dynasty started many failed military campaigns.
(https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1443/)

Tang Dynasty

648

The Tang Dynasty lasted from 648-907 in China. During it, poetry became the most important style of Chinese literature. Language, script, literature, Buddhism, Confucianism, and the use of chopsticks, spread to Korea and Japan, uniting all three countries during this dynasty.
(https://afe.easia.columbia.edu/main_pop/kpct/kp_4000bce-1000ce.htm)

Tang Capital Chang'an Booms

670

Even though the Chinese city of Chang'an had been around for centuries, it boomed around 670 in the Tang Dynasty. Its location along the Silk Road made it a hub for many different traders and goods. This populous and diverse community made for a great and thriving environment.
(https://afe.easia.columbia.edu/main_pop/kpct/kp_4000bce-1000ce.htm)

Song Dynasty

960

The Song Dynasty lasted from 960-1279. During this time, there were many inventions such as; paper money, iron, steel, textiles, moveable type, and ship building. This dynasty also used slave labor, but the dynasty wasn't relient on it.
(https://afe.easia.columbia.edu/main_pop/kpct/kp_4000bce-1000ce.htm)

Song Technological Advancements

960

The Song Dynasty of China which started in 960, had numerous inventions and advancements. Some of these innovations include paper money, iron, steel, and textiles. Their technological advancements include rice cultivation, moveable type, shipbuilding, compass, and gunpowder.
(https://afe.easia.columbia.edu/main_pop/kpct/kp_4000bce-1000ce.htm)

Footbinding

1000

During the Song Dynasty in China, footbinding became a popular practice. It involves tightly bandaging the foot of a woman with hopes to change its shape. A small foot in China represented the height of female refinement.
(https://afe.easia.columbia.edu/main_pop/kpct/kp_4000bce-1000ce.htm)

Japan

1185

This period of Japan lasted from 1185-1603. It was known for its constant conflict and shifting alliances. Citizens of Japan at this time lived by Bushido which was a strict code that emphasized discipline and self-sacrifice. This period was mainly based on the exchange of lands and services.
(https://www.ushistory.org/civ/10c.asp)

The Japanese Feudal System

1189

This hierarchical system was present from 1185-1603 in Japan. The top of the pyramid had the emperor without much power and more of a symbol. Next, the shogun who had the most power, and the daimyos who were wealthy landowners. Next the samurai who helped protect the land. Next, the peasants who were most likely farmers. Lastly, merchants, who many Japanese felt should be the lowest because they didn't create anything of their own.
(https://www.ushistory.org/civ/10c.asp)

Mongols

1206

The Mongols of Asia ruled from 1206-1368. The Mongols were a fierce nomadic group who relied on their animals for food. A combination of factors led them to start invading neighboring nations, and they became well known. They were merciless fighters, and very strategic in warfare. At one point they ruled the most contiguous territory in history and adapted to the governments and policies of each nation.
(https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mongol)

Pax Mongolica

1250

The Pax Mongolica was a period from about 1250-1350 where there was relative stability in Eurasia. After the death of Genghis Khan the Mongols extended their rule. This meant that the Silk Road fell under Mongol Control. The Mongol influence opened these ancient trade and communication routes.
(https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mongol)

Aztec Empire

1325

The Aztec Empire of Mexico reigned from 1325-1521. The Aztecs were highly centralized and organized. They created a calpulli system which helped distribute land as well as a tribute system where conquered territories would pay taxes in goods and labor.
(https://www.britannica.com/topic/Aztec)

Aztec Agricultural Innovations

1325

The Aztec Empire came to its peak in 1519 and created some major innovations around that time as well. Since their capital was in the center of a lake, they had to find a way to farm in the center of the lake. They were able to create chinampas or floating gardens that made them able to do so, which changed their agriculture industry greatly.
(https://www.britannica.com/topic/Aztec)

Founding of Tenochtitlan

1325

In 1325 the Aztecs of Mexico founded Tenochtitlan. The location of Tenochtitlan was built based on a legend where the people were asking the gods where they should put their city, and an eagle on top of a cactus appeared. The city of Tenochtitlan was in the center of a lake, which the people adapted to with advanced engineering technology.
(https://www.britannica.com/topic/Aztec)

Ming Dynasty

1368

The Ming Dynasty of China reigned from 1368-1644. Its main accomplishment was expanding China's rule again after over 100 years of Mongol rule. In addition, this dynasty helped strengthen the Great Wall, which was a major public works project. They also ruled through traditional Confucian ideals.
(https://asia-archive.si.edu/learn/for-educators/teaching-china-with-the-smithsonian/explore-by-dynasty/ming-dynasty/)

Voyages of Zheng He

1403

The voyages of Zheng He started in 1405. Emperor Yongle sends Zheng He and a fleet of ships to Africa. This trip included 28,000 sailors and 62 of the world's largest ships. These trips continued and helped increase China's knowledge of the outside world.
(https://asia-archive.si.edu/learn/for-educators/teaching-china-with-the-smithsonian/explore-by-dynasty/ming-dynasty/)

Zheng He's Voyages are Abandoned

1433

In 1433, China wouldn't let Zheng He go on any more voyages. There are reasons such as; China's focus shifted to agriculture, and the voyages had done their jobs. The main one was the fact that Chinese goods were superior to those in other regions, so there was no reason to continue to look for new and different goods.
(https://asia-archive.si.edu/learn/for-educators/teaching-china-with-the-smithsonian/explore-by-dynasty/ming-dynasty/)

Inca Empire

1438

The Inca Empire of South America lasted from 1438-1533. The empire was a highly centralized society. It was also very organized including many different districts with 10,000 people per district.
(https://www.britannica.com/topic/Inca)

Incan Agricultural Innovations

1438

The Inca Empire, which lasted from 1438-1533, was a very interesting society because of its agricultural innovation. Since the Incan territory lay alongside the Andes mountains, they had to find creative ways to farm. They came up with a way to make terraces in the sides of the mountains so the land would be flat. They also came up with a way to organize the plants on the terraces based on the amount of rain needed.
(https://www.britannica.com/topic/Inca)