The doctor dispenses a prescription -- The tomb robber strikes out -- The midwife delivers her grandchild -- The stablehand prepares to complain -- The housewife at the flour mill -- The bronze worker consults a colleague -- The canal worker is nostalgic -- The teacher starts his class -- The textile worker picks mulberry leaves -- The tomb sculptor trains his apprentices -- The salt worker harvests brine -- The priest argues with a friend -- The warden of the beacon tower collects hay -- The granary keeper is inspected -- The courier approaches his destination -- The farmer takes a break -- The convict arrives at his destination -- The kiln worker feels hounded -- The chef prepares a banquet -- The consort's maid is distressed -- The scribe comes to a decision -- The performer finishes her act -- The royal maid prepares a bath -- The soldier fights for his life.
Summary:
The year is AD 17. The Han dynasty is in power and we are in and around Chang'an, the capital and one of the most developed regions of the Chinese empire, which is enjoying a prolonged economic and cultural pinnacle. There are extraordinary palaces, military bases and city walls. Households are benefiting from the invention of numerous agricultural technologies and an unprecedented level of craft production, which includes ceramics, bronzes, iron objects and many other elaborate goods. This is an age that is both vibrant and innovative but also riven with conflict and contradictions. Discover what one day in ancient China was like by spending twenty-four hours with the people who lived there. Every hour we meet a different person -- from dancers to doctors, priests to convicts, textile workers to tomb looters -- and build a multi-layered picture of the social fabric of ancient China.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.