HIST-0040 Lecture Notes - Lecture 18: North Asia
Document Summary
The most cosmopolitan city in the world -- people from korea and japan, north asia, central asia, Korean and japanese people sponsored by their own government to learn buddhism and other cultural elements. Those from other regions went for business, to establish relationships with the chinese. 84 sq. km, 6x bigger than baghdad and 7x bigger than constantinople. Biggest, most civilized city in the world (huge cultural center) Tang empress wu - the first and only female emperor [r 690-705] Rise to power was gradual and steady. Born in merchant family, daughter of very well. Her father sponsored the first tang emperor, giving a lot of money to support his military campaign. Generously rewarded by first emperor, earning honorary title and military rank. She was very charming and beautiful, called to serve as a low-ranking concubine for emperor. When taizang"s health deteriorated, she served closely to the emperor, meeting his son.
