Connectivity, Imperialism, and the Han Iron Industry

by Wengcheong Lam

Overview

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

ISBN-13:	9781032194486
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	05/27/2024
Series:	Routledge Studies in Chinese Archaeology
Pages:	322
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

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.

Table 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.