Hydraulic Economy and Logographic Writing in Ancient China: Factor of Topography
Dr. Xiangshu Fang, Dr. Lijun Bi
Abstract
Chinese civilisation is characterised by two distinctive features – a strong centralised administration and the
system of logographic writing. This paper investigates nature’s powerful impacts on human development, in terms
of organisation and communication in ancient China. It argues that ancient China’s topography played a crucial
role in the formation of ancient Chinese civilisation and its hydraulic economy pushed the state stronger than
society, hence a strong centralised government emerged.
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