Meet the Chinese ambassador Zhang Qian, whose epic adventure changed the course of world history. His story begins with an expedition into the neighboring Xiongnu territory, where he was captured and held hostage for 10 years. After a daring escape, he fled into Central Asia and returned to China with fabulous stories, which inspired the emperor to send him on several subsequent missions west.

Revisit China with an overview of the Song dynasty, whose rulers encouraged impressive advancements in civil administration, industry, education, and the arts. The Southern Song dynasty was responsible for a remarkable series of developments that transformed China into a global economic powerhouse, fueled by innovations such as the production of porcelain, the invention of gunpowder, and more.

In this second lecture on the Shang dynasty, learn about the enigmatic "oracle bones" and the origins of Chinese writing. Then turn to the Shang society's social organization, religious practices, and cosmology, and find out how one of the core cultural and philosophical beliefs of Eastern civilization - the concept of yin and yang - emerged during the Shang dynasty.

While we still don't know much about the Xia dynasty, we have indisputable evidence that the Shang dynasty was responsible for the development of Chinese writing, the creation of a complex social structure, and the construction of the first large cities in East Asia. In this lecture, you'll visit the cities and tombs of the first significant Chinese dynasty.

Return to the followers of Confucius and consider two contrasting views of human nature and political theory. While Mencius believed humans were innately good and were entrusted with the Mandate of Heaven, Xunzi believed human nature was essentially evil. Both philosophers, however, remained faithful to Confucius's belief in the need for well-educated, ethical rulers.

In the wake of Mongol destruction, China's Ming dynasty emerged as a deeply conservative society dedicated to maintaining stability and tradition. These were peaceful - yet economically stagnant - years marked by problems such as piracy, an inept and disinterested government, famines, and rebellions.

Go inside the splendid court of Emperor Xuanzong in the great capital city of Changan. During Xuanzong's 44-year reign in the 8th century, foreign merchants, students, and pilgrims bustled around the court. Stylish women were adorned with jewels from all over Eurasia. Art and poetry flourished, creating one of the most fashionable and cultured courts in the entire world.

Following a political crisis in the 19th century, Emperor Meiji enacted a complete political, economic, and social reorganization of Japan, which transformed the country into a modern global and military industrial power. Watch as the nation became an imperial power and see what led to the Japanese role in World War II.

In this second lecture on the Han, you explore the dynasty's deep and vibrant cultural legacy, from its system of education to its porcelain pottery and jade burial suits. You'll also look at the Han's extraordinary innovations in science and technology, including the iron industry and the invention of paper.

During the Warring States Era at the end of the Zhou dynasty, several great Chinese thinkers considered the nature of society and government. Since that era, Confucianism has been the guiding philosophy of China and much of East Asia for more than 2,500 years. Find out about Confucius's life, his philosophy, and his followers.