Encyclopedia of Ancient Asian Civilizations (Facts on File Library of World History)

Encyclopedia of Ancient Asian Civilization is a new and exciting addition to Facts On File's series of encyclopedias of ancient history. It covers ancient Asia from the Jomon culture in Japan in approximately 11,000 BCE through the Cambodian empires of Funan, Chenla, and Angkor that lasted until the 15th century. In many cases - for example the states of Champa in present-day Vietnam which are only described in French and Vietnamese texts and the Dvaravati state of central. Thailand which is best covered in the Thai language - the civilizations covered have thus far been treated only marginally in English literature. Written by one of the preeminent experts in the field, this encyclopedia is the ideal resource for high school and college students researching the subject as well as a useful scholarly reference. Each of the 11, area-specific sections begins with an outline of the region's ancient history, followed by A-to-Z entries that cover archaeological sites; agricultural and economic development; personalities and political institutions; as well as articles on religion, trade, warfare, and other important topics. The eleven sections are: 1. The Civilization of China; 2. The Indus Civilization; 3. The Civilizations of India; 4. The Civilizations of Sri Lanka; 5. The Civilizations of Burma; 6. Thailand: the Civilization of Dvaravati; 7. Cambodia: Funan, Chenla, and Angkor; 8. Champa, Vietnam; 9. The Maritime states of island Southeast Asia; 10. The Civilization of Korea; 11. The Civilization of Japan "The civilizations of Asia rose over a vast territory that stretched from the region of modern Afganistan and the Aral Sea to Japan and Korea, and from Sri Lanka (former Ceylon) to islands of Southeast Asia. Encyclopedia of Ancient Asian Civilizations is the first work to bring together the complete range of early Eastern states under one cover, from the Indus Valley civilization in approximately 3,000 B.C.E. through the Cambodian empires of Funan, Chenla, and Angkor that lasted until the 15th century. In many cases the civilizations included here have thus far been treated only marginally in the English language." "The encyclopedia begins with a lengthy introduction to the history of the region, followed by approximately 900 detailed, A-to-Z entries that cover archaeological sites, agricultural and economic development, personalities and political institutions, as well as articles on religion, trade, warfare, and other important topics." "Fifty black-and-white photographs and illustrations, four maps, cross-references, a chronology, further readings, a bibliography, and an index make the information easily accessible. Encyclopedia of Ancient Asian Civilizations is a resource for students researching the subject, as well as a useful scholarly reference."--Jacket CONTENTS......Page 6 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS AND MAPS......Page 7 INTRODUCTION......Page 18 ENTRIES A TO Z......Page 24 A......Page 26 B......Page 56 C......Page 86 D......Page 113 E......Page 124 F......Page 134 G......Page 140 H......Page 147 I......Page 172 J......Page 190 K......Page 198 L......Page 217 M......Page 234 N......Page 260 O......Page 271 P......Page 278 Q......Page 294 R......Page 303 S......Page 315 T......Page 361 U......Page 385 V......Page 388 W......Page 391 X......Page 410 Y......Page 419 Z......Page 433 CHRONOLOGY......Page 442 BIBLIOGRAPHY......Page 445 INDEX......Page 451 Covering ancient Asia from the Jomon culture in Japan in approximately 11,000 BCE through to the Cambodian empires that lasted until the 15th century, this encyclopedia covers civilizations that have thus far been treated only marginally in English literature. The civilizations of Ancient Asia have played a major role in humankind's development through their accumulated knowledge and impressive achievements, yet they are little known to most Americans. Introduces the history of Asia and presents alphabetical entries that cover topics such as archaeological sites, economic development, political institutions, religion, trade, and warfare.