The Great Empires of Asia

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A unique survey of seven great Asian empires, powerful forces on the world stage during a thousand years of history and that continue to resonate in regional and global politics today.

Asian empires led the world economically, scientifically and culturally for hundreds of years, and posed a constant challenge to the countries of Europe. How and why did those empires gain such power, and lose it? What legacies did they leave?

This major book brings together a team of distinguished historians and 200 illustrations to survey seven great Asian empires that rose and fell between 800 CE and the mid-20th century: the Mongol Empire, Ming Dynasty of China, Khmer Empire, Ottoman Empire, Safavid Empire of Persia, Mughal Empire of India and the Meiji Restoration in Japan. Compellingly written, The Great Empires of Asia shows how those seven empires played a key role in forming today’s global civilization – and how, with the renewed ascendancy of Asia, their legacies will help shape the continent’s future.
Extent: 256 pp
Format: Paperback
Illustrations: 27
Publication date: 2018-08-02
Size: 19.8 x 13.0 cm
ISBN: 9780500294420
Introduction: The Distinctiveness of Asian Empires • 1. Central Asia: The Mongols 1206–1405 • 2. China: The Ming 1368–1644 • 3. South East Asia: The Khmer 802–1566 • 4. Asia Minor and Beyond: The Ottomans 1281–1922 • 5. Persia: The Safavids 1501–1722 • 6. India: The Mughals 1526–1868 • 7. Japan: The Meiji Restoration 1868–1945

Press Reviews

Winningly straightforward … a reliable and palatable introduction to a fascinating subject
Geographical Magazine

Passionate … the authors go beyond scholarship to give a bountiful review of Asia’s kingdoms
The Oxford Times

Splendidly illustrated … vivid and accessible
Asian Lite


About the Authors

Jim Masselos is Honorary Associate in the History Department of the University of Sydney, and has written extensively on South Asian history and culture.

Jonathan Fenby CBE, has been the editor of the Observer and the South China Morning Post. He is the author of twenty books, nine on China and others on World War II and France.

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