How is Chinese History Distinctive?

09/02/13 • 25 min

The historian was defined as scribe and astrologer in ancient China. He played a sophisticated role within the dynastic political culture of the Chinese historical past. The Chinese historian of today must come to grips with an enormous span of historical time and space as well as a rich culture of symbol and power.

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The Origin of Ancient History

The great Greek historians, Herodotus (c. 484-420 BCE) and Thucydides (c.460-400 BCE) provided some of the most important models for historians until the modern period. History making in Ancient Greece was powerfully influenced by epic narrative and relied heavily on themes of war.

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The Transnational Approach to History

Transnational history challenges the rigid framework of national history. It examines history from the perspective of the global circulation of ideas and is particularly relevant to Australian historians seeking a broader, more expansive framework for their work.