A day in the Capital

The Tang Dynasty represents the golden age of ancient China, in many levels equivalent and even greater than the high points reached by the Han dynasty. And nothing represents this greatness more than its capital city of Changan. When one reads about the scale of the city and the livelihood enjoyed by its inhabitants, one sees that the largest populace city of its time, matches to the metropolitans of our time. It may have been unsurprisingly much smaller in size and inhabitants, but the organization and life of the city is astonishing compared to its time.

The city was divided in many quarters, both for security reasons and to make governance easier. The quarters were used to collect taxes and recruit soldiers. It is comparable to the districts that divide modern cities. The city governance was even divided into six ministries in charge of various governmental structures of the city, which consulted with the emperor to govern the city.

Another intriguing part of the city is that because if its location, at the eastern end of the Silk road, it was a major hob for foreigners and merchants. so, the city had to markets, one for local goods and one for exotic and foreign goods. Its location and the business of trade it attracted, brought many foreigners to the city. Alomost one third of the Changan's population was foreigner. I find this very interesting, as in the time period this must have a very astonishing scene. There must have been individuals from all over the silk road, living together, working together and more. This would have probably been among the first multicultural cities of its time. The diversity of the city, I am sure had played a significant role in the achievements on the Tang dynasty and the golden age of Chinese civilization. Changang had probably turned into a center of knowledge and technology from across asia. It must have been quiet the scene!!!

But what was most interesting to me was the author's concluding remarks, with the Li Wa story in mind. The author spoke of how the class structures always remained the same, and no matter how low an individual sank, his rank and class remained as what had been bestowed to him by birth. It is very interesting, because I feel this was probably the same situation across Asia, and no matter how different the cultures were, they all had their Li Wa story, in one way or another. And they all probably had the same situation as well, that as long a visitor had money to spend, he would find comfort and pleasure!!! probably true to this day!!!