This illustrated lecture will present a comparative consideration of the ideological strategies that the Achaemenid and the Tang empires adopted to manage relations with their subjects living in Central Asia and on the Central to Eastern Eurasian steppe. For both the Persians and the Chinese, the mobile community in Central Asia formed an important constituency. The strong dynastic hereditary ties of the two empires with Central Asia further complicated their relations. In each case, a conscious program specifically addressing this complex and mobile community was developed and was expressed through the official language (text and images) of the imperial court. This exploration of those programs will reveal striking parallels in their approach to maintaining imperial control and cooperation.
Reception: 6:30PM
Lecture: 7:00PM