Comparison of Japanese and European Feudalism by The Historian The Historian's image for: "Comparison of Japanese and European Feudalism" Caption: Location: Image by: Although many people consider feudalism a European invention, the Japanese invented a form of feudalism independent of the Europeans at about the time that feudalism was at its height in Europe. Since the ownership of land is what defines feudalism, both Japan and Europe had landowning and non-landowing castes during the Middle Ages. Secondly, although the lower nobility in Japan (the samurai) swore fealty to their local lords, the local lords did not give the samurai any land of their own. Obviously, the Japanese and European feudalistic systems were based on radically different legal and cultural structures. Perhaps the most important similarity between Japanese and European feudalism for most people was the fact that they were both hereditary caste systems.
Japanese History - Facts About Japan - Ancient Japan The four islands that make up the Japanese archipelago have been inhabited by humans for at least 30,000 years—though some theories suggest the area was populated as long as 200,000 years ago! If you don't have time to digest the history of Japan (and unless you're a scholar or a speed reader you probably don't) you should at least familiarize yourself with some of the basic facts about Japan before embarking on your journey. Understanding the facts about Japan can only add another layer of meaning to the temples, parks, religious ceremonies and cultural wonders you are bound to encounter during your visit. What follows, then, is a cursory look at Japanese history, a jumping off point for further study about the history of Japan, and a quick reference for a few key facts about Japan. Japan history begins with the migration of people from the Asian mainland during a period in which the sea separating present day Japan from China and the Korean Peninsula was only partially formed.
Japan - Ancient Cultures On the basis of archaeological finds, it has been postulated that hominid activity in Japan may date as early as 200,000 B.C., when the islands were connected to the Asian mainland. Although some scholars doubt this early date for habitation, most agree that by around 40,000 B.C. glaciation had reconnected the islands with the mainland. Based on archaeological evidence, they also agree that by between 35,000 and 30,000 B.C. Homo sapiens had migrated to the islands from eastern and southeastern Asia and had well-established patterns of hunting and gathering and stone toolmaking . Stone tools, inhabitation sites, and human fossils from this period have been found throughout all the islands of Japan. More stable living patterns gave rise by around 10,000 B.C. to a Neolithic or, as some scholars argue, Mesolithic culture. By the late Jomon period, a dramatic shift had taken place according to archaeological studies.
The Medieval European Knight vs. The Feudal Japanese Samurai The Medieval European Knight vs. The Feudal Japanese Samurai? By J. Clements ARMA Director From time to time it is interesting to ponder the outcome of an encounter between two of history's most formidable and highly skilled warriors: the Medieval European knight and the feudal Japanese samurai. The Scenario First of all, we must ask where is it these two lone warriors would meet? There are a great many intangibles to consider here. Of course, if we are supposing a clash between two "typical warriors", we must also ask exactly what will be considered typical? As for the knight, are we assuming he will be a maile clad with sword and kite shield from the year 1066? Of course, for the sake of engaging discourse let us hypothesize just what would happen if these two comparable individuals, each highly trained and experienced in the respective fighting skills of their age, were to meet on the battlefield in single combat to the death (!). The Warriors The Armor The Shield The Samurai's Sword
Japan's Mysterious Pyramids Welcome to Living in Ancient Egypt More Breeds Added! If you have any comments or ideas? Or need any kind of information about Ancient Egypt, please I'll be glad to help you! Webrings Early History and Culture One of the most recognizable remnants of Japan's so-called "Tomb period" is the tomb of Emperor Nintoku, who is said to have reigned during the 4th century. With all the technological innovations coming from modern Japan, it's easy to forget that even they had a Stone Age. From around the middle of the 11th century B.C.E. to 300 B.C.E., Japan was populated by a Neolithic civilization called the Jômon (rope pattern) culture. This group of hunters and gatherers decorated their pottery by twisting rope around the wet clay, to produce a distinctive pattern. Remnants of their pit-dwellings and enormous mounds of discarded shells mark the locations of their settlements, which were scattered throughout the islands. But it wasn't until the Yayoi period (300 B.C.E. to 250 C.E.) that Japan became a rice-loving culture. The entrance gate to a Shinto shrine is called a torii. The Tomb period (250 C.E.-552 C.E.) gets its name from the massive tombs that dot the landscape to this day. The Land of Wa
The Olmec Civilization and the Use of Bitumen Geoarchaeological research has identified origin sources of bitumen used by the great Olmec civilization of the tropical lowlands of central America, 3000 years ago. The project, described by Olmec scholar David Grove as a “break-though in source analyzing bitumen in Mesoamerica”, may shed light on the vast trade networks throughout prehistoric North America. Historic and Prehistoric Uses of Bitumen Bitumen is a black, oily, viscous material that is a naturally-occurring organic byproduct of decomposed organic materials. Also known as asphalt or tar, bitumen was mixed with other materials throughout prehistory and throughout the world for use as a sealant, adhesive, building mortar, incense, and decorative application on pots, buildings, or human skin. Archaeologists have been investigating the sources of bitumen, that is to say, from whence came bitumen used in ancient settlements, since the 1980s, beginning with materials from archaeological sites in Egypt and Mesopotamia. Sources
Women in Ancient Japan: From Matriarchal Antiquity to Acquiescent Confinement The role of women in ancient Japan elicits inconsistencies due to different influences that were integrated at various time periods. The primary influence that contributed to these inconsistencies was religion. Integration of the two major religions of Japan, Shintoism and Buddhism, created a paradox for the female identity; altering women’s place in Japan’s matriarchal antiquity to a state of acquiescent confinement by the dawn of the Meiji Restoration. Different conjectures of ancient Japanese women were formed in direct correlation to the spiritual beliefs of the time. Evaluating the feminine identities educed by these beliefs illustrates the drastic changes that occurred for women. Painting depicting women of ancient Japan. The Kojiki and Nihongi are the two original Japanese written records that illuminate the first documented Japanese attitude towards women. In 552 A.D the introduction of Buddhism from China would interfere with the Shinto dominated perception of women. i.) iii.)
The Gods of the Olmec The Gods of the Olmec The mysterious Olmec Civilization flourished between roughly 1200 and 400 B.C. on Mexico's gulf coast. Although there are still more mysteries than answers about this ancient culture, modern researchers have determined that religion was of great importance to the Olmec. The Olmec Culture The Olmec culture was the first major Mesoamerican civilization, thriving in the steamy lowlands of Mexico's gulf coast, mainly in the modern-day states of Tabasco and Veracruz. Olmec Religion Researchers have done a remarkable job of learning so much about Olmec religion and society. Complex A at La Venta is an Olmec ceremonial site which was largely preserved; much about Olmec religion was learned there. Olmec Gods The Olmec apparently had gods, or at least powerful supernatural beings, which were worshipped or respected in some way. Archaeologist Peter Joralemon, who has studied the Olmec extensively, has come up with a tentative identification of eight gods. The Olmec Dragon
Ancient Japan By Tim Lambert The First Japanese Human beings have lived in Japan for at least 30,000 years. About 8,000 BC the ancient Japanese learned to make pottery. Between 300 BC and 300 AD a new era began in Japan. This period is called Yayoi. The Kofun Period in Japan The Yayoi period was followed by the Kofun (from 300 AD to 710 AD). According to tradition in 552 AD the king of Paekche in Korea sent priests to convert Japan to Buddhism. Furthermore in the 7th century AD the emperor became more powerful. Shotoku also built the Horyuji Buddhist temple and monastery in 607. After him, in 646, a series of reforms were made known as the Taika. At that time the capital of Japan was moved when an emperor died as people believed it was unlucky to stay in the same place afterwards. However in the 8th century Buddhist monks and priests began to interfere in politics. The Heian Period in Japan The era from 794 to 1185 is called the Heian period. Moreover outside Kyoto the emperor's power grew weaker. Home