Frank Longueira May 3, 2009
A.P. World History Post-Classical Essay
Period 7
Change Over Time Post-Classical Era (500-1450)
The Post-Classical Era was an era filled with change, continuity, and development. East Asia was a very prominent part of the world during this era. East Asia illustrated many major political, social, economic, and religious changes and displayed consistent continuity along with many interactions with other lands during 500 C.E. – 1450 C.E.
Between 500 C.E. – 1450 C.E., many major political, social, economic, and religious changes occurred in East Asia. One important change involved the dynasties of China. China was ruled by three different dynasties, the Sui, Tang, and Song, during separate times in this time period. Each dynasty displayed different major values that were focused upon. Another political change occurred when China became very powerful and saw itself as the Middle Kingdom. China issued tributary relationships with neighboring lands and looked to keep them in order. These relationships involved much interaction, including gifts being exchanged. A third political change involved the fall of the Tang dynasty. China had once saw itself as almighty, but in times of devastating rebellions and foreign pressure, they had to ask for help from a Turkish tribe named the Uighurs. A major change involving religion was the spread of Buddhism from India through the silk roads into China. Buddhism was a new faith of hope and order for the Chinese. The emergence of Buddhism led to social changes. Buddhism became a syncretic faith with Confucianism and Daoism. Argument over Buddhism’s importance led to these changes. Buddhism helped the Chinese develop new values and order. The changes economically played a huge role in China. The construction of the Grand Canal by the Sui Dynasty increased trade and communication within China. In addition, during the Tang and Song dynasties, new agricultural techniques, such as fast-ripening rice from Vietnam, led to an increase in food production. This resulted in urbanization and a commercial market economy. This then led to technological development, such as gunpowder, the magnetic compass, movable type, and high quality porcelain. The economy also boasted the creation of “flying cash” and paper money. All in all, many major political, social, economic, and religious changes occurred in East Asia during 500 C.E. – 1450 C.E.
East Asia also displayed continuity between 500 C.E. – 1450 C.E. the patriarchal society of China continued and foot binding empowered it. China’s patriarchal society and foot binding can be connected with the Islamic World’s patriarchal society and the veiling of women. Another type of continuity was the continued observance of Confucian values and education played a role in China’s bureaucracy of merit. Lastly, family values have always been honored and important, and still are.
East Asia was home of many interactions between 500 C.E. – 1450 C.E. The main interactions involved China, Vietnam, Korea, and Japan through religion, in Buddhism, and political organization. Japan based its system of writing off the Chinese’s as well.
In conclusion, East Asia housed many major political, social, economic, and religious changes during the Post-Classical Era. As well as many changes, East Asia displayed much continuity and interaction. All of these features showed East Asia to be a prominent part of the world during the Post-Classical Era.

From: Margarita Sokolova <dancer11194@hotmail.com>
Subject: post-classical era essay

Change Over Time – Southwest Asia by Margarita Sokolova
In the time span of 500 C.E. to 1450 C.E., the empires of Southwest Asia experienced many political, social, economic, and religious changes. Shifts of power, conflict, advances in agriculture, education, and formulation of sects are among these changes.
Both the Byzantine and Islamic empires experienced various political changes. On of these changes was who the ruler of