Connectivity, Imperialism, and the Han Iron Industry

This book examines the rise of the iron industry during the Warring States and Western Han periods (ca. 400 BCE- 9 CE) in ancient China, which is characterized not only by various technological innovations but also as a remarkable phenomenon, which led to the widespread distribution of iron implements and the emergence of massive ironworks.

List of contents

Introduction; Part I: 1 The rise of iron and imperial state power; 2 The rise of the capital region and the management of craft industry during the Han Dynasty; 3 Iron making in the center of the Han state; Part II: 4 Organization and labor division of ironworks; 5 Food and economic embeddedness of iron production communities; 6 Market integration and the distribution system for iron goods; Conclusion: management of iron and the shihuo system; Glossary; Bibliography; Index.

About the author

Lam Wengcheong is Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology and Department of History at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. His work focuses on the economic system, development of metal techniques, and exchange network in early ancient China.

Summary

This book examines the rise of the iron industry during the Warring States and Western Han periods (ca. 400 BCE- 9 CE) in ancient China, which is characterized not only by various technological innovations but also as a remarkable phenomenon, which led to the widespread distribution of iron implements and the emergence of massive ironworks.

Product details

• Authors: Wengcheong Lam, Wengcheong (Assistant Professor Lam
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 27.05.2024
• EAN: 9781032194486
• ISBN: 978-1-0-3219448-6
• No. of pages: 304
• Series: Routledge Studies in Chinese Archaeology
• Subjects: Social sciences, law, business > Social sciences (general); BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Industries / General, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Archaeology, Archaeology, Industry & industrial studies, Industry and industrial studies