jjares reviewed Ancient Japan: An Enthralling Overview of Ancient Japanese History, Starting from the Jomon Period to the Heian Period on + 3316 more book reviews
Until relatively recently, archaeologists thought Japan saw humans after the Paleolithic Era. The first humans traveling to the archipelago followed herds of animals. The weather changed, and people learned to grow rice. By 712 CE,
Shintoism was part of Japan's Yayoi period. I found it interesting that Shintoism teaches the physical world is sacred and deserves respect at all times. This book also takes the time to explain Buddhism. Even though Buddhism became the national religion, ordinary people believed in Shintoism, and the elite believed in Buddhism. To this day, there is no friction between the faiths.
This is my favorite type of history; it starts with the beginning of man and follows the evolution of the people from villages to kingdoms. This book also tosses some mythology and cultures of evolving tribes and groups. The author even takes time to talk about clothing choices. The photos and artwork that accompanied this book were impressive. It's lovely to be able to see the thing under discussion. Without the image, I could have never imagined the twelve-layered formal robe worn by high-ranking women during the Heian period.
China and Korea greatly influenced the Japanese, yet the Japanese remained independent from those two countries. The final chapter sets the Japanese to be ruled by the military shogunate for centuries. Fascinating reading.
Shintoism was part of Japan's Yayoi period. I found it interesting that Shintoism teaches the physical world is sacred and deserves respect at all times. This book also takes the time to explain Buddhism. Even though Buddhism became the national religion, ordinary people believed in Shintoism, and the elite believed in Buddhism. To this day, there is no friction between the faiths.
This is my favorite type of history; it starts with the beginning of man and follows the evolution of the people from villages to kingdoms. This book also tosses some mythology and cultures of evolving tribes and groups. The author even takes time to talk about clothing choices. The photos and artwork that accompanied this book were impressive. It's lovely to be able to see the thing under discussion. Without the image, I could have never imagined the twelve-layered formal robe worn by high-ranking women during the Heian period.
China and Korea greatly influenced the Japanese, yet the Japanese remained independent from those two countries. The final chapter sets the Japanese to be ruled by the military shogunate for centuries. Fascinating reading.
