Ogedei's Empire (Info on Everything East Asia)

[Ogedei_the_Mad]

This is a thread intended to be similar to Blue Monkey's wondrously detailed and helpful Bharata Varsha Bazaar thread. As most of the CFC Civ3 C&C frequenters know, East Asian culture and history is a particular interest of mine as manifested in my endless remarks about East Asia this and East Asia that and my virtual factory of Asian buildings and city graphics for Civ3 mods.

It is my opinion that East Asia is one of the most dynamic and diverse regions in the world. East Asia boasts an immensely long-established traditions and civilizations stretching back as far as five to six millennia. This is a place in constant flux, from the time the precursors of the Yellow River civilization planted their first crops to the present day unusual love-hate relationships of the modern states of China, Korea, and Japan. However, just as "Indian" civilization is erroneously frequently simply seen as one entity, the richness of diversity and history of East Asian cultures are often ignored or untapped.

An unfortunate prevailing view of East Asia within both Asia and the West is that of a Sinocentrist view where China takes center stage and other East Asian civilizations are cast as being more or less extensions of a greater Chinese civilization. That China has the longest history and the most established civilization is undisputed, but the uniqueness of cultures and histories of the Korean peninsula, Japan, and southern and northeastern China are often overlooked. And so it is with this thread that I would like to offer potential scenario and modmakers for Civilization III and possibly Civilization IV a glance at the diversity of East Asia that we normally don't have the opportunity to see in the West.

Links to Main Posts:
Post 14: Civilzations, Kingdoms and Empires
Post 2: Wonders
Post 3: Administrative Systems
Post 4: Military Aspects and Technology
Post 8: Maps
Post 15: Fantasy and Mythology
Post 23: City Improvements
Post 24: City Lists
Post 48: Military History Details

 

[Ogedei_the_Mad]

WONDERS

Chinese
Big Wild Goose Pagoda / Dayan Ta (652 CE):
Big Wild Goose Pagoda was first comissioned in 652 CE by the Tang Emperor to hold the sutras brought back from India by the monk Xuanzang, whose journeys inspired the fantasy novel Journey to the West. Originally standing at 54 meters (or 177 feet), the pagoda towered over most other structures in ancient Chang'an, the great capital of the Tang Empire.

Mogao Caves (366 CE):
Located at the crossroads of the Silk Road in present-day northwestern China, the Mogao Caves near the city of Dunhuang displays a vast array of Buddhist artwork spanning a thousand years and representing the various peoples that have passed through the Silk Road. The caves also contained numerous valuable manuscripts - including Buddhist, Daoist, and Christian texts - from the many civilizations that participated in trade with ancient China.

Porcelain Tower of Nanjing / Bao'ensi (15th Century)
Regarded as the "best contrived and noblest structure of all the East" by French mathemetician Le Comte, the Porcelain Tower was regarded by some Western visitors as a true World Wonder. It was a 9-story pagoda that stood at a towering height of 260 feet, which made it one of the tallest buildings in Ming and Qing China. The "Porcelain Tower" was known as "Bao'ensi" ("Temple of Gratitude") among the Chinese and was designed in the reign of the Yongle emperor of the Ming Dynasty. The tower unfortunately no longer exists as the ravages of warfare claimed it; it was destroyed in the midst of civil war during the Taiping Rebellion.

Pyramid Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang Di (246 BCE):
The mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang Di is a large pyramid structure said to contain the vast wealth of his empire. Much myth and speculation surrounds the mysterious pyramid as there is little actual information known about the mausoleum aside from folklore. It is believed that the tomb is filled with dangerous booby traps and in the emperor's final resting place is an enormous 3d model of his empire with seas of mercury and stars made of gemstones. While these rumors are unconfirmed, the spectacular Terracotta Army discovered near the mausoleum suggests what wonders may lie within the unexplored tomb.

Yin Palace (14th Century BCE):
King Panggeng of the Shang Dynasty established the city of Yin as his capital. Yin served as the capital of the Shang for 255 years (and the Shang Dynasty is occasionally known as the "Yin Dynasty" because of this). The palace saw the Shang era at its height and its downfall. It is famous in modern archeology for containing some of the oldest specimens of Chinese writing as well as a variety of artifacts dating from the Shang period.

Wan Li Chang Cheng (221 BCE):
Commonly known simply as the "Great Wall of China," the "Wall of 10000 Li" stretches a staggering 4,000 miles across northern China. The wall was built to serve as a bulk fortification against northern nomads. Its effectiveness is debatable as the wall, while an impressive and powerful fortification, was an immense drain on resources and was unpopular among Chinese until it was glorified by Westerners. Wan Li Chang Cheng was *not* constructed as a single unitary object; Qin Shi Huang Di ordered the various northern walls of the his conquered foes in the north connected and expanded at great expense and subsequent dynasties after the Qin would repair and enhance the wall. The Great Wall visible today is from Ming Dynasty era wall-building projects.

Japanese
Ise Shrine (5th Century CE)
The Ise Shrine is a shrine dedicated to Amaterasu, the Japanese sun goddess and mythological ancestor of the imperial family. Ise Jingu is a complex of Shinto sanctuaries and is home to the Sacred Mirror, a treasure of the Japanese imperial family. It is one of the most important of Shinto sacred sites. The shrine's architecture is highly unique because it does not utilize Chinese or Korean influence, but instead is built according to native Japanese design. The shrine is dismantled and reconstructed every 20 years, but uses the same architecture.

Kiyomizu-dera (798 CE)
Kiyomizu-dera is a temple of the Tendai sect of Japanese Buddhism and is one of the oldest temples of Kyoto. The name "Kiyomizu" means "pure water," in reference to the nearby waterfall. During the Edo Period, it was believed that if one were to survive a 13-meter fall from the great veranda of the temple, one would get a wish granted. The survival rate was over 80% due to the vegetation at the ground below. The temple complex also features various Shinto shrines such as a shrine to the deity of matchmaking.

Koufuku-ji (710 CE)
Koufuku-ji is the primary temple of the Hosso Buddhist sect and is one of the seven great temples of Heijou-kyo (present-day Nara). Koufuku-ji remained a prominent temple despite the movement of the capital to Heian (Kyoto) due to the temple's ties to the powerful Fujiwara clan. The temple was founded in 669 CE, but moved to Heijou-kyo in 710 CE at the start of the Nara Period.

Heian Palace (794 CE)
Heian Palace was the residence of the Japanese imperial family during the Heian Period. When the imperial court moved to Heian (present-day Kyoto), the palace was first establish at the start of the Heian era although it was not actually completed until a little over a decade later. Similar to other palaces in East Asia, Heian Palace was arranged in a Chinese-style manner and in accordance to traditional geomancy. The actual palace itself no longer exists due to numerous fires and its eventual abandonment. However, a wealth of information about life in Heian Palace can be obtained from the various pieces of literature of its heyday such as Murasaki Shikibu's "The Tale of Genji" or Sei Shonagon's "Pillow Book."

Korean
Bunhwang-sa (634 CE)
Constructed during the reign of Queen Seondeok of Shilla, the pagoda of Bunhwang-sa is one of the oldest remaining structures from the Korean Three Kingdoms era. The original pagoda may have had up to nine stories, but were lost due to the ravages of time. As Buddhism was relatively new to Shilla at this time, the architectural style for this temple borrowed much from the Chinese. Detailing on the pagoda, however, remained distinctly Korean. Bunhwang-sa is still in use today, as there also exist worship pavillions on the ancient temple site.

Gyeongbokgung (1394 CE):
Gyeongbokgung is one of the five great palaces of Joseon. It was built under the reign of Yi Songgye, founder of Joseon, at the site of Hanyang (present-day Seoul) due to a belief that the metaphysical energies there were much greater and thus more auspicious. Gyeongbokgung was destroyed during the Japanese invasions of 1592 to 1598. It was mostly neglected by Korean monarchs, however, and was restored in only 1867. The restoration of the palace's past grandeur was short-lived. During the Japanese occupation period, Gyeongbokgung was severely damaged by the colonial administration. Were Gyeongbokgung not so seriously dismantled by the Japanese, it would have been one of the most spectacular palaces in East Asia, perhaps rivaling even China's famed Forbidden City at Beijing.

Changdeokgung (1405 CE):
Changdeokgung is considered to be the most "Korean" of all the palaces because it follows native Korean aesthetic views as opposed to Chinese-style architectural planning. The palace is the largest remaining Korean palace today and is the most unique in its design in that it is perfectly integrated into the natural surroundings. Changdeokgung was destroyed during the 1592-1598 Japanese invasions, but was shortly reconstructed after.

Cheomseongdae (647 CE):
Cheomseongdae Observatory, built in Gyeongju during the reign of Queen Seondeok of Shilla, is the oldest known observatory in East Asia and is thus also one of the oldest scientific structures surviving today.

Haeinsa (802 CE):
Haeinsa is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Korea and is home to the Tripitaka Koreana. The Tripitaka Koreana is the most complete version of the Tripitika in existence, existing in 6802 volumes.

The Jikji (1377 CE)
The Jikji is the oldest extant printed text in the world. It was produced through metal type printing at Cheongju in 1377 during the Goryeo period, predating Guttenberg's printed bible by almost eight decades and was commemorated as the "Book of the Year" in Paris in 1972. Though now regarded as proof of the relatively advanced technological capabilities of Korean civilization during the Goryeo era, the Jikji itself is a text on Seon Buddhist practice.

Vietnamese
Imperial Citadel / "Purple Forbidden City" (1804 CE)
The Imperial Citadel at Hue was the seat of the Vietnamese Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945 CE) and was the residence of the Vietnamese emperor, the imperial family, and those holding the highest positions in the imperial government. The citadel was an enormous and impressive complex that was built to be somewhat of a replica of the Chinese Forbidden City. By the end of the Nguyen Dynasty, the grounds of the palatial complex had numerous elaborate pavillions and palace halls, making it one of the most spectacular palaces of Southeast Asia. During the Vietnam War, however, American bombings of Hue ravaged much of the citadel and only a few structures remain. Restoration projects are continuing today, but the palace may never recover its former glory.

Tibetan
Potala Palace (637 CE):
The site of the present-day Potala Palace was first used as a meditation retreat by the great Tibetan king Songsten Gampo in the mid 7th century CE. The early palace was built for his bride Chinese Tang Dynasty princess Wencheng, who was sent to maintain positive diplomatic relations between the Tang Empire and Tibet. The modern palace structure was built in 1645 under the reign of the fifth Dalai Lama and was finished in 1694.

 

[Ogedei_the_Mad]

ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEMS

The Chinese Bureaucracy and Monarchy
Info Links:
http://www.csupomona.edu/~plin/ls201/confucian3.html

Overview:
Ever since its conception under the administration of the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE) to its eventual decay in the mid-19th century under the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 CE), the Chinese bureaucratic system was one of the most (if not the most) sophisticated and complex governing system in the world. It featured a large governing body of ministers in various departments that managed the many aspects of the the Chinese government at the imperial and local level. Because Chinese empires have historically been some of the largest and wealthiest empires in the world, a large and sophisticated governing system was an absolute necessity.

Selection for administrative positions had been an issue since the Qin Dynasty. Early on, ministers were chosen according to their ability. While it was usually the most talented officials that occupied upper-tier roles, the aristocracy of the Han and Tang Dynasty periods, however, often monopolized these positions. While exams had been in place for quite some time, it was during the later Tang (and partly in the reign of Empress Wu Zetain's short-lived "Later Zhou" reign) that special examinations were made increasingly more prevalent. The imperial examination system matured under the Song Dynasty period and the majority of imperial officials and local magistrates attained their position through passing the civil service examination, which was based on Confucian learning and treatises of governing. While the upper-class gentry typically had an edge in the examination since they could afford private tutors and special academies, the civil service examination during the Song Dynasty allowed people of various walks of life to move up through society; though not common, that a person of humble background would move up to the ranks of the scholar elite was not unheard of. Imperial China was arguably a meritocratic state.

*Suggested Civ3 Stats*
Bureaucratic Monarchy
Corruption: Communal
Government-unique Small Wonders: The Civil Service Examination
[increase research output -Or- serve as an additional Forbidden Palace]
Rush Building: Forced Labor
[corvee labor system]
Tax / Research Rate: 5 / 5
Military Police: 1
Free Units: Town - 4 / City - 4 / Metro - 4
Draft Limit: 2
War Weariness: Low

Tribal Traditions and the Shilla Monarchy
Textual Sources: Michael J. Seth's A Concise History of Korea

Overview:
While Chinese models of administration had a significant influence on the development of Korean civilization, the Shilla kingdom also organized its monarchy according to the "Golpeum," or "Bone Rank," system, which was derived from tribal traditions. The ranks determined special privileges for certain people, such as government office or even the right to own certain possessions and luxuries. The highest ranks were known as "Seonggol" (sacred bone) and "Jingol" (true bone), both of which were tied to the royal family of Shilla; the title of "Sacred Bone," suggests that individuals in this rank may have once had the authority of a shaman or priest. Below the two top ranks of the Golpeum system was the Dupeum (head-rank), which theoretically contained six ranks. The highest of this group typically provided a large number of Shilla's officials and intellegentsia.

Another feature of Shilla's monarchy was the "Hwabaek," or "Council of Notables." This governing body served as a high council of administrators whose purpose was to deliberate and debate on administrative matters. While the monarch theoretically held absolute power, it was often the case in Korean history that monarchs had to share power with the aristocracy.

*Suggested Civ3 Stats*
Golpeum
Corruption: Nuisance
Government-unique Small Wonders: Hwabaek
[Serve as an additional Forbidden Palace -or- Build temple in all cities]
Rush Building: Forced Labor
[corvee labor system]
Tax / Research Rate: 5 / 5
Military Police: 2
Free Units: Town - 2 / City - 4 / Metro - 4
Draft Limit: 1
War Weariness: Low

The Japanese Emperor and the Fujiwara Regency

Samurai Rule - the Japanese Bakufu

Mongol Khans

The Eight Banners of the Manchu Empire

 

[Ogedei_the_Mad]

MILITARY ASPECTS AND TECHNOLOGY

Chinese
For much of world history from the Zhou Dynasty up to the early Ming Dynasty, the Chinese military was the most technologically advanced in the world. Iron and steel and gunpowder were used by Chinese armies long before they became prevalent in Europe and the Middle East. Chinese military technology included a variety of gadgetry ranging from paddle ships to giant gliders that could fly infantry over city walls. Along with such advanced military technology and tactics, the Chinese empires also were capable of amassing armies of enormous size, numbering in the hundreds of thousands.

Gunpowder
The earliest experiments with gunpowder were performed in China by Daoist mystics and alchemists searching for components to an elixir of immortality. Early documents describe Daoist rituals and magic shows in which these mystics created explosions, likely from primitive gunpowder tests. The earliest complete extant forumla for gunpowder itself, however, dates from the Song Dynasty. Faced with frequent raids and the threat of highly powerful empires at its fringes, the Song Dynasty recognized the military significance of gunpowder and thus its armies employed several gunpowder weapons such as fire lances, rockets, cannons, and even primitive hand grenades.

Available CFC Units:
Jimmyh's AoE conversion Chu-ko-nu / Zhuge-Nu: - Possible Uses: Song or Ming Dynasty Zhuge-Nu
Wangyushi's Chinese Ancient Infantry: - Possible Uses: Qin or Han Dynasty infantry
Sword of Geddon's Chinese Wall Guard: - Possible Uses: Qin or Han Dynasty infantry
utahjazz's Qin Soldier - Possible Uses: Qin infantry
BeBro's Chinese War Chariot - Possible Uses: Zhou Dynasty War Chariot
Dom Pedro II's Tang Cavalry, Fire Lancer, and Sampan
aaglo's Cargo Junk and War Junk
aaglo's Castle Ship - Possible Uses: Luo Chuan ("tower" or "castle" ship); Han to Tang Dynasty periods
Kinboat's Chinese swordsman
utahjazz's Rocket Team - Possible Uses: Song Dynasty rocketeers
utahjazz's Chinese swordsman
aaglo's Baode Luan: Possible Uses: Ming Dynasty Treasure Ship
aaglo's Chinese junk
TVA22's Chinese junk
Sandris' Chinese unit pack: Shang Warrior, Shang Heavy Spearman, Shang Archer, Qin Horse Archer, Tang Crossbowman

Japanese
The famed samurai warriors of Japan are often romanticized in both the East and the West in the form of seemingly endless samurai fiction in Japan such as Kurosawa's epic films like "Seven Samurai" or even George Lucas's "Star Wars" space opera. Popular images of the samurai are fierce masters of the katana, one of the most celebrated of pre-modern weapons. The samurai in history, however, were originally horse archers and frontiersmen and did not always strictly adhere to their established codes of honor (which ironically was codified only in the peaceful times of the Tokugawa Period). In the centuries following the failed Mongol attacks and up to the end of the Sengoku Period, Japanese samurai came to employ a much wider variety of weapons such as spears, naginatas, and arquebuses. Due to fierce civil wars, the Japanese developed a great variety of martial arts that still are practiced to this day.

Gunpowder
In terms of military technology, the Japanese lagged behind the Chinese and Koreans up until the Sengoku period. In 1543, Portuguese sailors introduced the arquebus to Japan. The introduction of these new weapons dramatically transformed Japanese warfare where victory did not necessarily depend on armies of elite samurai and could instead be attained by the use of common foot soldiers armed with firearms. Oda Nobunaga's recognition of the tactical advantages of the arquebus gave him a clear edge in his attempt to reunify Japan.

Available CFC Units:
utahjazz's Asian Swordsman: http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=161710
aaglo's Atakabune and Tekkousen: http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=130180
utahjazz's Asian Horseman: http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=89655
Kinboat's Ashigaru Footman, Bushi, Kensai, Samurai Archer, and Samurai Spearman: http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=63269
kinboat's Otomo swordsman: http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=56232
JimmyH's AoE conversion samurai: http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=38851
Hikaro Takayama's Female Samurai: http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=161135
Hikaro Takayama's Kunoichi: http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=143340

Korean
Koreans have traditionally been a stubborn lot, unwilling to yield in the face of invasion. Lands occupied by Korean cultures and peoples have experienced constant attacks from the Chinese, the steppe nomads, the Jurchens (and later the Manchus), and the Japanese. In various periods, Koreans also waged fierce wars with one another. Despite their precarious position, in many instances, the Koreans have been able to successfully make use of their ingenuity and strong will to survive to repulse invasion after invasion.

Gunpowder:
While gunpowder was known in China for quite some time before it became employed in Korea, the military technology of the Koreans up to the end of the Imjinwaeran War (1592-1598 CE) was highly advanced compared to the rest of the world. Korean armies based their gunpowder arsenal upon Chinese ones, but further developed these weapons. By the time of the Imjinwaeran, Korean armies utilized anti-personnel rapid-firing rocket carts, naval cannons, and heavy iron bolt-propelling cannons.

Images:
Depiction of Goguryeo Horse Archery: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/54/Goguryeo_tomb_mural.jpg
Korean general in full armor (Joseon period): http://www.puma-uk.com/images/tkd-history/YiSinpic.gif

Available CFC Units:
ShiroKobbure's Hwarang Archer
utahjazz's Asian Swordsman: technically meant to represent early Japanese, but the early Japanese were heavily influenced by Koreans
Dom Pedro II's Choson Soldier, Hwarang, and Koryo Soldier
Sword of Geddon's Korean noble archer
aaglo's Kublai Khan era ship: Possible Uses: Goryeo War Junk
aaglo's Korean Turtle Ship
ShiroKobbure's Goonin: Possible Uses: Goryeo Infantry, Sambyeolcho

Mongol
The Mongols are practically a household name when it comes to excellence in warfare. Due to their nomadic lifestyle, the Mongols were natural warriors as they were not only tough but also very resourceful. Though commonly known for their mastery of cavalry tactics and their frequent use of scare tactics and psychological warfare, the Mongols also utilized the local specialties of people they conquered. Mongol armies would feature not just Mongol and Central Asian horsemen, but also Chinese siege engineers and cannoneers, Persian generals, Turkic warriors, and so on.

Links:
Mongol Military: http://www.accd.edu/sac/history/keller/Mongols/empsub2.html
A 13th century Franciscan Friar's Description: http://www.deremilitari.org/resources/sources/carpini.htm

Available CFC Units:
Kryten's Eastern Horse Archer
Dom Pedro II's Mongol Cavalry
CamJH's Marauder - Possible Uses: Turkic Auxiliary

Tibetan
While frequently associated with mystical Lamaist Buddhism and viewed as a sort of ancient fantasy land by New Age Orientalists, Tibet historically was no lightweight competitor. Occupying the rugged lands of the Tibetan Plateau and the Himalayas, Tibetans endured a harsh lifestyle. The Kham region of Tibet is known to be home of Tibet's toughest people. Khampa warriors served in the militaries of Tibetan monarchs.

Images:
Khampa Horseman: http://www.2camels.com/images/festival-photos/litang_horse_festival6.jpg
Khampa Warriors: http://www.harrerportfolio.com/Images/Khampa.jpg
Tibetan Swords: http://www.himalayan-imports.com/sword.html

Available CFC Units:
utahjazz's Tibetan footman: http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=60275

Viet
As a professor of mine once said, the Viet peoples were the real "mac-daddies" of guerilla warfare. Viet lands were repeatedly invaded over the eons by their expansionistic neighbors to the north, the Chinese dynasties. While in many instances unable to directly go head-to-head with the more advanced enemies, the Viets employed clever uses of tactics involving their knowledge of the Viet terrain and guerilla warfare.

Crossbows
Crossbows have been in Vietnam since early periods as evidenced by pictures depicting warriors wielding them on ancient Dongson bronze drums.

War Elephants
War elephants were used by Viet armies in early periods and well up to the Nguyen Dynasty, but were not used as much as other Southeast Asian powers.

Available CFC Units:
Dom Pedro II's Annamese Spearman
utahjazz's Annam Swordsman

Central Asian
Central Asia is a remarkably diverse region with numerous languages, tribes, and ethnicities. As the case with Mongols, in pre-modern periods, a nomadic lifestyle was highly advantageous for military purposes as it ensured better discipline, greater stamina, and flexibility of tactics. Various empires rose and fell in Central Asia and though often were technologically behind settled peoples, Central Asian tribes could be quick to adopt new technologies or different expertise whenever it suited their needs.

Available CFC Units
Dom Pedro II's Hun
Virote Considon's Units of the Steppe: Steppe Spearman, Turkic Spearman

 

[Blue Monkey]

:rubbing hands with glee, putting bib on & drooling at the mouth smilie:

You'll help me with info on civs from SE Asia, Southern China, Tibet, Steppe Nomads, etc. and hopefully I can help you with Nepalese, Bengalis, etc. that had an influence eastward. One of the most interesting periods in Indian history is when Fa-hsien and Xuanzang made their pilgrimages.

 

[Ogedei_the_Mad]

I've been meaning to put this together for some time after you started your Bharata Varsha Bazaar thread. Asia is simply too often overlooked.

 

[Gen. Rommel]

Definitely agreed Ogedei! And this is a most excellent source of information and resources. It will surely help many a mod-maker. Same goes for your resource compilation Blue Monkey.

 

[Ogedei_the_Mad]

More content. Maps and stuff this time.

EDIT: Gen. Rommel's map links included.

MAPS OF CHINA

Western Zhou Dynasty [circa 1100 - 770 BCE]
Zhanguo Period [475-220 BCE]
Additional Maps:
http://map.huhai.net/14-15.jpg
Qin Dynasty [221 - 206 BCE]
Han Dynasty

MAPS OF JAPAN

Feudal Provinces
Sengoku Daimyo Names and Territories
Sengoku Map with Daimyo Portraits (Eastern Japan)
Sengoku Map with Daimyo Portraits (Western Japan)
Location of Major Mining Sites
Modern Japanese Prefectures

MAPS OF KOREA

Samguk Sidae (circa 1st century BCE - 668 CE)
Balhae (698 - 926 CE)
(in Korean; transliterations will be provided if requested)
Joseon (1392 - 1911 CE)

 

[Virote_Considon]

Brilliant! Can't wait to see this thread develop!

 

[Stormrage]

Um, dude, you forgot to include the Kinboat`s Mongols.. And the new one from Quinzy..

 

[Gen. Rommel]

If you want Ogedei, I can send you a bunch of maps that you can add of Japan that I've gathered over time.

 

[Madeira]

Excelent! I applaud this iniciative!

 

[Ogedei_the_Mad]

Um, dude, you forgot to include the Kinboat`s Mongols.. And the new one from Quinzy..

That's because none of the lists are complete now; I don't even have the overview for Central Asia and Viet done. All of this is a work in progress. How about providing the URLs?

If you want Ogedei, I can send you a bunch of maps that you can add of Japan that I've gathered over time.

That would be a good addition to the list.

Good Korean historical maps also are a bit hard to find on the Net. There's too many Korean War era and modern ones. I came across a few historical ones, but those were posted on a site that's pretty much dedicated to spewing pro-Japan, hate-Korea rhetoric (and the rebuttal of ultra-nationalist anti-Japanese Koreans don't make it any better either ). If anyone finds some good Korea maps, please post up the URL here.

 

[Ogedei_the_Mad]

*Civilizations list moved to organize things better.

CIVILIZATIONS, KINGDOMS, AND EMPIRES
*Note: Listings also include dynasties and regimes of particular civilizations within certain time periods. Also, some civs / kingdoms / empires on the list have actually lasted through several eras; they appear under the time period when first established

Early Civilizations

Chinese - Shang
[Capital: Hao, Founder: Cheng Tang, UU: Shang Axeman, Civ Traits: Agricultural, Militaristic]
Chinese - Zhou
[Capital: Hao, Founder: Zhou Wuwang, UU: Zhou War Chariot, Civ Traits: Scientific, Agricultural]
*NOTE: "Wuwang" was the title of King Zhou, founder of the Zhou Dynasty.
Korean - Gojoseon
[Capital: Asadal, Founder: Dangun Wang-geom, UU: Gojoseon "Mandolin" Dagger, Civ Traits: Religious, Industrious]
Japanese - Yamataikoku
[Capital - Yamatai, Founder: Himiko, UU: Yamatai Warrior, Civ Traits: Religious, Militaristic]
Viet - Au-Lac
[Capital: Co Loa Thanh, Founder: An Duong, UU: Au-Lac Crossbowman*]
*Drawn from the An Duong legend of the magic crossbow and archeological evidence of early Viets using crossbows as hunting and military weapons.

Classical Civilizations

Chinese - Qin
[Capital: Xianyang, Founder: Qin Shi Huang, UU: Qin Infantry, Civ Traits: Expansionist, Industrious]
Chinese - Hanchao
[Capital: Chang'an, Founder: Liu Bang, UU: Zhuge-Nu, Civ Traits: Agricultural, Scientific]
Chinese - Tangchao
[Capital: Chang'an, Founder: Li Shi Min, UU: Tang Cavalry, Civ Traits: Expansionist, Militaristic]
Notable Rulers: Wu Zetian (a capable administrator and the first woman to proclaim herself "emperor"), Li Longji (Xuanzong / Minghuang)
Korean - Shilla
[Capital: Geumseong, Founder: Bak Hyeokgeose, UU: Hwarang, Civ Traits: Militaristic, Religious]
Notable Rulers: Naemul, Jinheung, Seondeok (first recorded female ruler of Korea; also known for her intelligence and was a capable ruler herself)
Korean - Baekje
[Capital: Wiryeseong, Founder: Onjo, UU: Baekje Infantry, Civ Traits: Scientific, Seafaring]
Notable Rulers: Geunchogo
Korean - Goguryeo
[Capital: Guknaeseong, Founder: Jumong, UU: Goguryeo Cavalry, Civ Traits: Militaristic, Expansionist]
Notable Rulers: Gwanggaeto
Korean - Balhae
[Capital: Holanseong, Founder: Dae Jo-yeong, UU: Malgal Warrior, Civ Traits: Militaristic, Expansionist]
Korean - Tamna
[Capital: Jeju-eupseong*, Notable Leader: Go Eulna, UU: Tamna Archer**, Civ Traits: Agricultural, Commercial]
*Info on ancient Jeju is hard to find and "Jeju" is not the original name. It is known, however, that the site of present-day Jeju-si was the administrative center of Tamna.
**This refers to the Tamna founding myth in which the founders -Go, Yang, and Bu - divided their domains by shooting arrows into the air. Where the arrows landed marked their territory.
Notable Leaders: Yang Eulna, Bu Eulna
Korean - Gaya
[Capital: Daegaya, Notable Leader: Suro, UU: Gaya Tribesman, Civ Traits: Agricultural, Commercial]
Japanese - Yamato / Wa
[Capital: Heian, Notable Leader: Kammu, UU: Samurai Frontier Guard, Civ Traits: Religious, Scientific]
Notable Rulers and Administrators: Suiko (a reigning empress; though Shotoku handled many administrative tasks, Suiko was no mere figurehead), Prince Shotoku, Fujiwara no Michinaga (regent who dominated Heian court politics)
Tibetan - Bod
[Capital: Lhasa, Notable Leader: Songsten Gampo, UU: Khampa Horseman, Civ Traits: Religious, Militaristic]
Tai - Nanzhao
Viet - Nam Viet
[Capital: Panyu, Notable Leader: Trieu Da, UU: Yue Warrior, Civ Traits: Militaristic, Agricultural]

Dawn of the Mongol Empire

Chinese - Songchao
[Capital: Kaifeng, Founder: Zhao Kuangyin, UU: Rocketeers, Civ Traits: Commercial, Scientific]
Notable Military Technology: Paddleship, Siege Cannon, Fire Lance
Khitan - Liao
[Capital: Shangjing, Founder: Yelu Abaoji, UU: Khitan Horse Archer, Civ Traits: Militaristic, Expansionist]
Khitan - Kara-khitai
[Capital: Balasagun, Founder: Yelu Dashi, UU: Khitan Horse Archer, Civ Traits: Militaristic, Expansionist]
Tangut - Xi-xia
[Capital: Xingqing, Founder: Li Yuanhao / Jingzong, UU: Tangut Cavalry, Civ Traits: Militaristic, Commercial]
Korean - Goryeo
[Capital: Gaeseong, Founder: Wang Geon, UU: Sambyeolcho, Civ Traits: Agricultural, Commercial]
Additional Military: Goryeo Heavy Cavalry, Tobang
Jurchens - Jin
[Capital: Huining, Founder: Wanyan Aguda, UU: Jurchen Tribesman, Civ Traits: Militaristic, Expansionist]
Japanese - Kamakura Bakufu
[Capital: Kamakura, Founder: Minamoto no Yoritomo, UU: Minamoto Samurai, Civ Traits: Militaristic, Religious]
Ryukyuan - Ryukyukoku
[Capital: Shuri, Notable Ruler: Sho Hashi, UU: Ryukyuan Warrior, Civ Traits: Seafaring, Commercial]
Mongol - Great Mongol Nation
[Capital: Karakorum, Notable Leader: Temujin, UU: Keshik, Civ Traits: Militaristic, Expansionist]
Notable Leaders: Ogedei, Kublai
Additional Military: Heavy Cavalry, Tibetan Auxiliaries, Korean Auxiliaries, Turkic Auxiliaries, Chinese Siege Engineers, Grenadiers
Viet - Dai Viet
[Capital: Thanh Long, Founder: Dinh Bo Linh, UU: Viet Guerilla, Civ Traits: Militaristic, Agricultural]

14th - 17th Centuries

Chinese - Mingchao
[Capital: Nanjing, Founder: Zhu Yuanming, UU: Ming Grenadiers, Civ Traits: Industrious, Agricultural]
Korean - Joseon
[Capital: Hanyang, Founder: Yi Songgye, UU: Hwacha, Civ Traits: Commercial, Scientific]
Notable Military Technology: Geobukseon, Panokseon
Japanese - Ashikaga Bakufu

Western Incursions

Manchu - Jin
[Capital: Shenjing, Founder: Nurhaci, UU: Bannerman, Civ Traits: Militaristic, Expansionist]
Notable Leaders: Hong Taiji
Chinese / Manchu - Da-Qing
[Capital: Beijing, Notable Leader: Kangxi, UU: Bannerman, Civ Traits: Agricultural, Expansionist]
Korean - Daehan Jeguk
[Capital: Hanyang, Founder: Gojong, UU: Joseon Soldier, Civ Traits: Agricultural, Commercial]
Japanese - Tokugawa Bakufu
[Capital: Edo, Founder: Tokugawa Ieyasu, UU: Samurai Arquebusier, Civ Traits: Militaristic, Commercial]
Viet - Nguyen
[Capital: Hue, Notable Leader: Gia Long, UU: Nguyen Arquebusier, Civ Traits: Expansionist, Commercial]

20th - 21st Centuries

Chinese - People's Republic of China
[Capital: Beijing, Notable Leader: Mao Zedong, UU: PLA Guerilla, Civ Traits: Militaristic, Industrious]
Japanese - Empire of Japan
Chinese - Republic of China
[Capital: Nanjing, Notable Leader: Sun Yat-sen (Sun Zhongshan), UU: Guomindang Infantry, Civ Traits: Militaristic, Scientific]
Taiwanese - Republic of China
[Capital: Taipei, Notable Leader: Chiang Kai-shek (Jiang Jieshi), Civ Traits: Commercial, Industrious]
South Korean - Daehan Minguk
[Capital: Seoul, Notable Leader: Yi Seungman / Rhee Syngman, UU: ROK Marine, Civ Traits: Commercial, Scientific]
Viet - Vietnam
[Capital: Hanoi, Founder: Ho Chi Minh, UU: Viet Cong -or- Viet Minh, Civ Traits: Agricultural, Industrious]

*This list is not yet complete; more will be added later. *

 

[Ogedei_the_Mad]

*This might be of interest to modders who fancy the fanciful.

EAST ASIAN FANTASY AND MYTHOLOGY

Mythological Bestiary
*Fantastical monsters in East Asian mythology differ from Western monsters in that they are neither truly good nor truly evil. While monsters often are portrayed as fearsome and dangerous, in the world of East Asian folklore, they also have the capacity to do good.

Chinese
Peng - The Peng is a bird described in Zhuangzi's work as a gigantic bird that morphed from the fish roe "Kun." Peng is a sort of Roc-like bird. The use of the Peng in Zhuangzi's text serves a satirical purpose as the narrator makes indirect jabs at the small-minded creatures (who represent arrogant scholars) that doubt the Peng's ability to fly to the Lake of Heaven.
Fenghuang - The Fenghuang is often referred to as the Chinese "phoenix." It is a bird with a great long elaborate tail with peacock.
Si Ling *note: the picture is flipped over; the bird should be at the bottom - The "Si Ling" are four sacred auspicious creatures that represent four compass directions. They are the Azure Dragon of the East, the White Tiger of the West, the Black Tortoise of the North, and the Vermillion Bird of the South. The Vermillion Bird is often mistaken for the Chinese phoenix; the two are different creatures.
A more elaborate picture: Si Ling
Qilin - Sometimes referred to as the Asian "unicorn," the Qilin is a mythological creature representing peace, prosperity, and good fortune. Qilin are powerful beasts, but they punish only the wicked. These creatures also appear in Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese mythology. Japanese Qilin are more deer-like than their Chinese counterpart.

Japanese
Kappa - A Japanese water demon that is amphibian-like but has a turtle shell and a concave skull filled with water. In some folktales they are harmful while in others, they teach humans medicinal practices. Little trivia here: in the third "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" movie (lame movie by the way ), the samurai mistake the turtles for "Kappa."
Kitsune - A Japanese fox demon. Kitsune in folklore can transform into humans either for the purpose of decieving people or helping them.
Tanuki - Sometimes translated as "badger," the Tanuki is actually a sort of raccoon-dog that is known for being extremely "well-endowed" (the males at least) and their peculiar behavior of standing on their hind legs and pounding their chests when agitated. Magical tanuki are typically mischievous and have the ability to transform. Tanuki are the main characters of Ghibli Studios' anime "Pom Poko."
Oni - "Oni" is translated as "demon" or "ogre." They are fearsome humanoid monsters and in earlier times, they often are portrayed negatively as wicked beings or bringers of misfortune such as in the folktale of Momotaro. Their image has become more positive in recent times as beings that chase away evil.

Korean
Kumiho - Korean nine-tailed fox demon said to be able to transform into a woman; similar to the Japanese Kitsune.
Dokkaebi - A Korean goblin.

Vietnam
Rồng - Depictions of Vietnamese dragons were heavily influenced by Chinese dragons, but dragon veneration in Vietnam goes back since prehistory. Dragons were associated with the rivers and seas, both of which the Viet people were heavily dependent upon. Variations of early Vietnamese dragons include a crocodile-headed dragon and cat-dragons.

Wuxia
*The category of Chinese fiction known as "Wuxia" is the originator of the martial arts fiction theme and thus the ancestor of our present-day Kung Fu flicks. The "Xia" are knight errants known to zealously adhere to their code of honor and ethics and often are portrayed with superhuman qualities. Numerous tales dating from the Ming Dynasty tell of talented martial artists and swordswomen who fight for justice. Stories that fit the Wuxia mold also include various Korean and Japanese martial artist tales.

Anime Fantasy

 

[Ogedei_the_Mad]

If y'all find more East Asian stuff, post the link or image up here and I'll add them to the main posts.

I'm keeping it a little broad; "East Asian" for the purpose of this thread (and the purpose of Civ3 modding) includes Chinese, Japanese, and Korean civilizations and cultures along with Himalayan, Mongol, Steppe Nomads, Southeastern China (such as the Tai cultures of Yunnan province), and Viet cultures.

 

[Gen. Rommel]

Maps of Japan:

Modern Day Map with province borders and regions

Map of Japan during the Senjoku period with Daimyo names and holdings

Another map of Sengoku Japan, however, with pictures of the ruling Daimyo (Part 1)

Another map of Sengoku Japan, however, with pictures of the ruling Daimyo (Part 2)

Map showing the location of various mines around Japan (iron, copper, gold, and silver)

A map taken from a game showing Daimyo holdings with the help of flag images

Other:

Website featuring the Flags of various Daimyo

---

I'll get some more stuff on later, especially non-Sengoku stuff.

 

[Blue Monkey]

Ogedei, this whole thing is developing nicely. Kudos! you're making me sweat because I really need to update the links in the Bazaar, let alone post the many new ones I've bookmarked. And then there's things like collating & posting the unit concept art!

How about adding the Kirin / Qilin to the mythology list? They're one of my favorite Asian creatures.

The next time you update the Civ/Kingdoms list, try putting some spaces between the era titles; it'll make it a whole lot easier to read. Also, for the sake of us who don't have every posted unit memorized, could you indicate (if you know) which UUs are already made by anyone, and which need to be made?

 

[7ronin]

Nice job - this is great!

 

[Stormrage]

Holy crap 7ronin I haven`t seen you in ages! Nice to see you again