"Each eye can have its vision separately; but when we are looking at anything... our vision, which in itself is divided, joins up and unites in order to give itself as a whole to the object that is put before it."
-John Calvin
-John Calvin
I love to look back on past civilizations (the older the better) and examine them both in the context of their own time and in the context of mine. So, whenever my scholarly aides allow me to do so, I never hesitate. For this reading we took a look at society in Chang'an during the Tang Dynasty, with a concentration on the population of Nestorian Christians in the area and their roles as a religious minority.
All in all it was very interesting indeed to see what life was like to have been a member of this ancient society. Many aspects I am very understanding about, such as the cultural aspects of family and honor. However, some of the information caught me off surprise, I never imagined that security would have been so tight back then, in as far as imposing harsh daily curfews. Pondering back on it now though, I can understand the reasoning for it.
Another bit of information which struck my eye, and was particularly appealing for me, was the economy of Chang'an. Wholly based off the trade of goods, which most came from along the silk road, the economy was nothing compared to what we live with nowadays but it is important to notice how vital a part of every citizens life the market economy was. I found it neat that when there were no coins left to use as currency the citizens would use pieces of silk.
The reading for me however peaked when i read the fantastic little short story encountered in Hansen's reading. Entitled The Tale of Li Wa it is a fascinating story as it gives the reader a first hand observation of daily life in Chang'an. Prose speaks to the mind and imagination much clearer than historical fact ever can, even if it may be fictitious. The story follows a young man on his path of education as he struggles for love and struggles with his social class.
With regards to Nestorian Christianity, this was also an interesting part of the reading. Their history is very unique as they have been extremely isolated from the rest of Christendom. This can be noticed in their different beliefs, rejection of the trinity, and their rituals/practices. It was nice to find out that the Nestorians were particularly safe living in Chang'an, as opposed to the numerous Christians being persecuted during the same time in the nearby Roman Empire.
All in all it was very interesting indeed to see what life was like to have been a member of this ancient society. Many aspects I am very understanding about, such as the cultural aspects of family and honor. However, some of the information caught me off surprise, I never imagined that security would have been so tight back then, in as far as imposing harsh daily curfews. Pondering back on it now though, I can understand the reasoning for it.
Another bit of information which struck my eye, and was particularly appealing for me, was the economy of Chang'an. Wholly based off the trade of goods, which most came from along the silk road, the economy was nothing compared to what we live with nowadays but it is important to notice how vital a part of every citizens life the market economy was. I found it neat that when there were no coins left to use as currency the citizens would use pieces of silk.
The reading for me however peaked when i read the fantastic little short story encountered in Hansen's reading. Entitled The Tale of Li Wa it is a fascinating story as it gives the reader a first hand observation of daily life in Chang'an. Prose speaks to the mind and imagination much clearer than historical fact ever can, even if it may be fictitious. The story follows a young man on his path of education as he struggles for love and struggles with his social class.
With regards to Nestorian Christianity, this was also an interesting part of the reading. Their history is very unique as they have been extremely isolated from the rest of Christendom. This can be noticed in their different beliefs, rejection of the trinity, and their rituals/practices. It was nice to find out that the Nestorians were particularly safe living in Chang'an, as opposed to the numerous Christians being persecuted during the same time in the nearby Roman Empire.
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