Roots of the Middle Kingdom: Ancient China from Myth to Empire

This four-lecture course will trace the formation and evolution of Chinese civilization from its legendary and archaeological origins to its first great imperial age. From the mythic Xia and Shang dynasties, we will explore the rise of early bronze-age kingship and religious authority. The Zhou dynasty showcased the development of the Mandate of Heaven, the feudal order, and the intellectual flourishing that came with thinkers like Confucius and Laozi. We will conclude by exploring the unification achieved by the Qin, which stabilized imperial government, expanded the Silk Road, and created a lasting imperial model that would define Chinese political and cultural identity for two millennia.