Medieval Times in China and Beyond

The phrase “medieval times” usually conjures up visions of knights on horseback or cathedral-building serfs, but Europe wasn't the only continent that lived through the Middle Ages. From roughly 500-1000 A.D., Eastern civilizations as well as those in Middle America experienced growth, cultural evolution, and periods of conquest. Medieval Times in China and Beyond presents a general overview of what was happening in China, Japan, India, and the Americas, backed with appropriate music, period art, and beautiful footage of historical structures in each area. The character of the Chinese philosopher Confucius serves as the narrator here, enabling the program to go beyond historical fact to ask more philosophical questions in order to interpret what is being shown (such as: why do the victims of oppression sometimes also perpetuate same?). Although, as the title suggests, the majority of the program focuses on China—looking at topics such as the Tang Dynasty, the Mongols, and trade along the Silk Road—other subjects addressed include India's caste system (segregation that is compared to the Jim Crow laws of the American South) and leadership structure in Japan and the Americas. Recommended. Aud: J, H. (E. Gieschen)