# data[].attributes.body
The origins of agriculture in East Asia involve two major plant species; millet and rice. Millet was domesticated in central China, while rice was first cultivated in the Yangzi valley to the south. The settlement of Cishan is of central importance to any consideration of the transition to agriculture in the Yellow River valley. stone spades, while harvesting and processing grain was undertaken with stone pestles and mortars. Rice was available in many seasons making t abundant. Rice has supported a greater number of people for a longer period of time than any other cultivated crop (Greenland 1997.) The quest for the initial transition to rice cultivation is controversial. The site of Hemudu in the lower Yangzi Valley cultivated rice, the oldest dates suggesting settlement by 5000 BC.

Human Cultural Development:
Cultivation resulted in human intervention with the life cycle of a plant. Domestication reflects morphological changes in the plant resulting from human selection and domestication. Both aided in the crop and harvesting methods developed by agriculture communities in east Asia.

Sources:
Scarre, Christopher. "Chapter 7: East Asian Agriculture and It's Impact," The human past: world prehistory & the development of human societies. 3rd ed. New York: Thames & Hudson, 2013. 235-243

Picture:
http://www.amis-outlook.org/fileadmin/user_upload/amis/img/news/Rice_fields_Chiang_Mai.jpg

# data[].attributes.headline
Growth of Agricultural Communities: 5200- 2400 BC

# data[].attributes.subject
Growth of Agricultural Communities: 5200- 2400 BC

# data[].attributes.body
The prehistoric site of Bashidang is an early agricultural village located between the Yangzi River and Lake Dongting led to the fortunate discovery of deep black peat deposit. Another sedentary village, Shangshan, revealed uncovered house foundations and a material culture that included ceramic vessels and stone slabs and pestles suited to processing plant food. Neolithic cultures in the Yellow River Valley and Yangzi River Valley exposed growth of agricultural communities through pottery and weapons used towards agricultural and social purpose. Stone tools of traditional flaked-pebble choppers, axes, and polished arrowheads have been discovered.

Human Cultural Development:
A rise in social stratification was seen in grave goods places with the dead, including development of pottery skills that provided storage pits for millet harvest. Growth of technique in production of pottery and weapons provided the opportunity for cultures to expand on food gathering/storage methods and also status within communities.

Sources:
Scarre, Christopher. "Chapter 7: East Asian Agriculture and It's Impact," The human past: world prehistory & the development of human societies. 3rd ed. New York: Thames & Hudson, 2013.
244-247

Picture:
https://museum.wales/media/3161/52-2l.jpg

# data[].attributes.body
The Tanshishan culture of Fujian Province lies south of the Hemudu complex of sites. This area was occupied by hunter-gatherer groups in small rockshelters. The Neolithic Vigorous tradition of working  clay, changing decorative styles of pottery vessels have enabled Vietnamese excavators to designate at least three phases to this culture. The site of Trang Kenh incorporated a workshop for manufacture of nephrite bracelets and beads, working with chisels, drill points, saws, and grinding stones. The Neolithic period on the Khorat Plateau lasted from 1800 to 1000 BC; the first rice farmers introduced inhumation burial with offerings that included pottery vessels, animal bones, and personal ornaments.

Human Cultural development:
Phung Nguyen culture in Vietnam provided a material culture that broke from traditional societal  sequence in the region. Introduction of craft skills for working nephrite and jadeite ornaments represent a key link with the Chinese Neolithic. Further evidence shows early settlers brought weaving techniques and domestic stock, chose to live near gently flooded terrain suited to rice cultivation, and also intensively hunted, fished, and collected shellfish.

Sources:
Scarre, Christopher. "Chapter 7: East Asian Agriculture and It's Impact," The human past: world prehistory & the development of human societies. 3rd ed. New York: Thames & Hudson, 2013.
248-252

Picture:
https://assets.weforum.org/article/image/large_PN_0KWPe2pBUSTAOHEVP-XCNzRC6jCxC-Z7tHOePDoM.jpg

# data[].attributes.body
The Liangzhu culture included a cultural center of Yuhang dominating making it the largest urban complex in China. Various sites, including Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, confirmed a rich and sophisticated society with an economy based on irrigated rice culture and raising domestic stock. Craft specialists wove silk, made laquerware, fired splendid ceramic vessels, and above all, fashioned outstanding jades (Huang Xuanpei et al.1992). Settlements located next to rivers with wooden boats and oars reveal importance of water transport. The Xia Dynasty marked changes in the Longshan culture, with elite burials, ritual bronze vessels, and the presence of palaces.Excavations revealed specialist workshops for the production of elite bronze castings and turquoise ornaments. The Shang Dynasty introduced the recognition of archaic text inscribed in turtle shells used in traditional Chinese medicine which led to discovery of the village Xiaotun. Shang kings used oracle bones for divining the future, allowing archaeologists an insight into royal policy. There was much concern with war, hunting, rainfall, agricultural success, and health of royal family members. Pits discovered contained sacrifices of animals and human (including children), burials of horses and charioteers, and subterranean tombs.

Human Cultural Development:
The establishment of agricultural communities in the valleys of the Yellow and Yangzi rivers between the 7th and 8th millennia BC was followed by a surge in population and the foundation of new settlements. Cultural sites revealed walled and moated sites with dead that held unusual wealth- various ceramic vessels, precious rock, and various people in a single burial. Social stratification showed evidence that the elite lived in fine houses with corridors and several living rooms.

Sources:
Scarre, Christopher. "Chapter 15: Complex Societies of East and Southeast Asia," The human past: world prehistory & the development of human societies. 3rd ed. New York: Thames & Hudson, 2013.
553-558

Picture:
http://factsanddetails.com/media/2/20080317-1014_irrigation3%20yellow%20rive%20dykes%20columb22.jpg

# data[].attributes.headline
Expansion of Rice Farmers into Korea      4500 BC

# data[].attributes.subject
Expansion of Rice Farmers into Korea      4500 BC

# data[].attributes.body
Korean riverine and coastal settlements incorporating pit houses stretch from the Yalu and Tumen rivers in the north to south coast; they have been given the name Chulmun culture. Numerous stone fishhooks and weights (resembling fishing nets) were discovered along with remains of sharks, tuna, cod, sea lions and whales. The cultivation of of milled spread across the Korean peninsula from about 4500 BC. Rice cultivation was underway from the beginning of the 2nd millennium BC and possible by the late 3rd millennium BC, and rapidly became a major domesticate. Knowledge and practice of rice cultivation spread through Korea and eventually reached Japan, where establishment of intrusive rice-farming communities built indicated contact with higher developed rice regions such as Korea or even mainland China.

Human Cultural Development:
Rice is not native to Korea and must have been introduced from China; undergoing the process of selective adaptation to the cold conditions in order to thrive. Conjunctions of rice found with distinctive local ceramics strongly indicates that it was incorporated into pre-existing agriculture communities, particularly when it is associated, as at Hunamni and Songungon.

Sources:
Scarre, Christopher. "Chapter 7: East Asian Agriculture and It's Impact," The human past: world prehistory & the development of human societies. 3rd ed. New York: Thames & Hudson, 2013. 256-259

Picture:
http://factsanddetails.com/archives/005/201611/5819440a0d4ce.gif

# data[].attributes.headline
Korea: Kogurya                    37 BC-AD 668

# data[].attributes.subject
Korea: Kogurya                    37 BC-AD 668

# data[].attributes.body
In 108 BC, Han armies occupied the northern part of Korea and founded four provinces. The Chinese presence provoked resentment and the rise of the indigenous states. The period of ascendancy of three of these states- Koguryo, Paekche, and Silla- became known as the Three Kingdoms period (57 BC-AD 668). Koguryo was founded in 37 BC. and was for long the dominant force in the politics and economy in northern Korea. Although good agricultural land was scarce and the climate harsh, trade and agriculture flourished, and the Koguryo kings had large tombs, walled cities, palaces, temples, and defensive walls. Imports from China included paper, silk clothing, weapons; in return, Koguryo exported furs, gold, and silver. Weaponry was expanding Koguryo, evident in an inscription from Ipsongni in Chinese characters.

Human Cultural Development:
Communities under the leadership of kings developed strong militant forces to battle outsiders. Growth of importing and exporting goods between regions strengthened allies and resourceful goods. The rise of Confucian ethics took place in teaching universities to train rising administrators.

Sources:
Scarre, Christopher. "Chapter 15: Complex Societies of East and Southeast Asia," The human past: world prehistory & the development of human societies. 3rd ed. New York: Thames & Hudson, 2013.
574

Picture:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/0e/62/e5/0e62e5c5d084b47b643c0217f5572ce8.jpg

# data[].attributes.body
Kaya was a confederation of city-states located in the southern tip of Korea, an area dominated by the Naktong River. Kaya was heavily engaged in the smelting and export of iron utensils, armor, and ingots, and was noted for its quality of iron ore. Kaya's small size and vulnerability in respect to its two powerful neighbors, Silla and Paekche, underlay its needs for self-defense. Burial finds of armor are particularly intriguing as they closely identify with armor from 15th-century AD Japanese burials (Nelson 1993).

Human Cultural Development:
Although the Kaya's were renowned for their armor and strength in Calvary, Keitai ascended the throne in AD 507. During the course of Keitai's reign, neighboring Silla encroached into Kaya, taking territory traditionally loyal to Yamato. In AD 585, the rivalries between powerful senior clans reached the royal courts and civil war broke out over the successor to Emperor Bidatsu.

Sources:
Scarre, Christopher. "Chapter 15: Complex Societies of East and Southeast Asia," The human past: world prehistory & the development of human societies. 3rd ed. New York: Thames & Hudson, 2013.
574-579

Picture:
https://media1.britannica.com/eb-media/48/1948-004-19665D3E.jpg

# data[].attributes.headline
Complex Cultural Societies (Japan) AD 300- AD 700

# data[].attributes.subject
Complex Cultural Societies (Japan) AD 300- AD 700

# data[].attributes.body
The Japanese kingdom of Yamato, centered in western Honshu, developed from the Late Yayoi culture in the 3rd century AD (Barnes 1988). The earliest dynasty, named after the first king, Sujin, comprised five kings, who reigned from AD 219 to 346. Sujin was closely involved in the worship of the kami (spirit or deity) of Mount Miwa, and thereby sought sacred powers of legitimacy. The second dynasty of Yamato is named after its founder, Ojin, whose reign dates traditionally fall between AD 346 and 395. Ojin was the ruler to whom the Shichisto sword was presented to by the ruler of the Korean kingdom of Paekche in AD 369.

Human Cultural Development:
Yamato kings of the 5th century AD commanded considerable military power and engaged in political relations with Korean states which brought immigrant scribes and Korean tutors to teach literacy in Japan. The gold-inlaid ceremonial weapon reflects the strong relations that existed between Paekche and Yamato, a relationship that brough much valued iron to Japan.

Sources:
Scarre, Christopher. "Chapter 15: Complex Societies of East and Southeast Asia," The human past: world prehistory & the development of human societies. 3rd ed. New York: Thames & Hudson, 2013.
577-580

Picture:
http://www.japanpitt.pitt.edu/sites/default/files/university_of_pittsburgh_japan_module_woodblock_print_depicting_jinmu_first_emperor_of_japan_standing_with_group_of_yamato_people_0.jpg

# data[].attributes.body
Unification of Korea in AD 668 was the period known as the beginning of Great Silla which was at its height in the 8th century AD, and was in regular contact with the Tang court in China. The capital is modeled on the Chinese city Chang'an, and had a population of over a million. Excavation of Anapchi showed artifacts relating to the palace life. Buddhism flourished under the Great Silla and many temples with statues. Granite was widely used in sculpture which allowed the survival of complete works of art. Silla craftspeople were adept at casting bronze, and even gold, to portray the Buddha. Some traditions of craftsmanship were in Koryo state in 918, and the transfer of the center of power in Korea to Kaesong, north of Seoul.

Human Cultural Development:
With strong religious beliefs and values came a greater craft of precious metals to construct gargantuan pieces of art and history. Religion ultimately became the center of this society and governed each and every decision made by those who followed.

Sources:
Scarre, Christopher. "Chapter 15: Complex Societies of East and Southeast Asia," The human past: world prehistory & the development of human societies. 3rd ed. New York: Thames & Hudson, 2013.
576-577

Picture:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/e3/20/dc/e320dc3d3efa8d72e10c907c2fe36681.jpg

# data[].attributes.body
The silk road linked China with India to Rome. It compromises the routes followed by Indo-European-speaking people who brought wheat and barley and Western style of dress to the Tarim basin oases. It was also the conduit for the spread of bronzeworking and the horse-drawn chariot into China. From east to west, the Afanasievo culture of the Irtysh, Ob, and Yenesei valleys in southern Siberia represent an eastward movement of nomadic people belonging to Yamnaya culture. The end of the Han Dynasty in AD 220 resulted into the division of China where the Wu emperor of southern China, cut off from the Silk Road, trading partners in the West.

Human Cultural Development:
The potential of rapid horse transport across the steppes may well have been a key element in the intrusion of new technologies from west to east. The maritime movement brought larger trade routes that secured partnership and thrust new policies between neighboring states.

Sources:
Scarre, Christopher. "Chapter 15: Complex Societies of East and Southeast Asia," The human past: world prehistory & the development of human societies. 3rd ed. New York: Thames & Hudson, 2013.
581-585

Picture:
http://nepalforeignaffairs.com/wpcontent/uploads/2015/11/Silk.jpg

# data[].attributes.body
Bar-Yosef, Ofer. "Climatic Fluctuations and Early Farming in West and East Asia." Current Anthropology 52, no. S4 (2011): S175-193. doi:10.1086/659784. June 04, 2017. http://www.jstor.org.offcampus.lib.washington.edu/stable/pdf/10.1086/659784.pdf?refreqid=excelsior%3A745b6c842f1c508d0cd89b789d4b364f

Guisepi, Robert. Agriculture And The Origins Of Civilization:. June 04, 2017.
http://history-world.org/agriculture.htm

Scarre, Christopher. "Chapter 7: East Asian Agriculture and It's Impact," The human past: world prehistory & the development of human societies. 3rd ed. New York: Thames & Hudson, 2013.

Scarre, Christopher. "Chapter 15: Complex Societies of East and Southeast Asia," The human past: world prehistory & the development of human societies. 3rd ed. New York: Thames & Hudson, 2013.

Silva, Fabio, Chris J. Stevens, Alison Weisskopf, Cristina Castillo, Ling Qin, Andrew Bevan, and Dorian Q. Fuller. "Modelling the Geographical Origin of Rice Cultivation in Asia Using the Rice Archaeological Database." PLOS ONE. June 04, 2017.
http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0137024