10. China's Han Dynasty - The First Empire in Flames

[@bettywhite6672]

Your voice comforts me when I’m anxious and can’t sleep. And I love history. Thank you.

[@JimmyMatis-h9y]

same here Betty ❤️‍🩹👍

[@babyyoda0U812]

You are an incredible narrator, thank you for your work. You speak slow and clear enough for me to and process the info. Wish this channel luck as deep as the ocean !!!

[@jamescorbett4665]

Definitely the best history podcast around; I've been binge listening to you for days. The Aztecs episode was especially brilliant and well researched. Cheers, Paul!

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thanks James, I really appreciate it!

[@BigglesAboutTown]

@@FallofCivilizations The Aztec one is an epic. I've never felt so engaged by a piece of academia before.

[@nettyroo8121]

Thanks

[@setabRP]

I can probably say that this is the most reliable content on any podcast right now. You have continued to improve as well imo. Remarkable job!

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you, very kind of you!

[@jasono132]

Binging this series, the time and effort that must go into making these is incredible for an independent creator. Great work and can’t wait to listen to the next one!

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you Jason, much appreciated!

[@havabrownkittycat7107]

Fall of Civilizations hrh rnrh

[@sonyafedoruk4282]

I listen to so many history podcasts but this is different. It's immersive with authentic music, the poetry, the voice overs, and that beautiful voice guiding you through time. To be honest, I listen to these with my eyes covered so the story plays out like a projector playing in my mind. I've listened to all of them at least twice. This one is especially important because what is old is new. It's not just ancient geopolitical stories. This one should help explain a lot of today's happenings.

[@emperoraurelian9922]

I love this channel, the care and attention to detail with editing on each podcast is second to none. Stumbled upon by chance not too long ago and have binging each podcast enthusiastically. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to more in the future.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you! Really glad you've been enjoying

[@04daltons]

It’s truly a wonderful channel isn’t it, highly recommended.

[@Tatianak16]

​@@FallofCivilizations uu078u8u

[@Tatianak16]

6y I. The h

[@Tatianak16]

​@@04daltons h 9hh8uu

[@dkennell998]

Glooorious.

[@elizabethmender]

Not just you! I'd love it ṭoo!🥰

[@MissWitchiepoo]

I normally don't listen to podcasts but I fell upon this and hadn't noticed it was a podcast and ended up listening and playing solitaire:) So now I have subscribed because you have a great way of telling history and you don't have to sit and watch the same scenes again and again and having things repeated as docs often do. Thank you for all your work!!

[@zlessly]

Even tho there are a few months between uploads, it always such a pleasure when the podcast drops. I fully appriciate how you take ur time and create fantastic content that is not only entertaining but well researched and educational. Thanks for all the hard work

[@Angayasse]

This channel is incredible! I just stumbled upon it by chance (lloking for meaningful history and being very much disappointed by the "great" channels"), I think I found a treasure trove here. I am listening to the Songhai episode now but this will be the next one. Thank you SO MUCH!!!

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you so much for the kind words! Hope you enjoy the rest too.

[@BrettonFerguson]

I really like it. It is detailed. I don't know a lot about Chinese History. I live in the US and the public school system here used to teach US history for some odd reason. After I graduated high school I read a lot of history, but never read much about Chinese history before around 1700. EDIT: History Channel, Discovery Channel, etcetera are all garbage. All the shows are only a summary of the same events over and over. Normandy Invasion, Pearl Harbor, Gettysburg, Revolutionary War, Sir Francis Drake, The Lusitania, Aliens Built the Pyramids, William the Conqueror, Caligula... and a lot of the information is incorrect.

[@tylercooper1551]

I agree, I strive to learn as much history as possible and KZbin often seems lacking until I found this channel a few days ago. Has taught me so much that I didn't know

[@brokeannbroken2547]

@@BrettonFerguson I live in the US & most of this info. I already knew, granted I was a constant reader. I can no longer read , except for short periods . It was still interesting to listen other reason of failings of civilization & some new info. that wasn't in books. Ty on for the podcasts.

[@phantomwalker8251]

you want real history lesson,?, viper & dttv.?.vids on sumer..then,the rest of history & religion,becomes easy.

[@granularity2974]

A history documentary huh, I wonder how comprehensive it will be? FOC: "180 million years ago..." Oh my.

[@FallofCivilizations]

😂

[@Xune2000]

How about last episode? FoC: Let me tell you about the fall of the Aztecs Me: Cool FoC: It all started with this dinosaur and an asteroid Me: Is this going to be on the test?

[@AnteWH]

@@FallofCivilizations 0000000l0l0l0l

[@AnteWH]

Dear.

[@AnteWH]

Dear. Dear.

[@meyerweinstock9567]

This was a good podcast, Han's down.

[@Triton1051]

lol. that pun was _empirically_ bad. xD

[@meyerweinstock9567]

@@Triton1051 yes, it is, I agree...

[@pantheman6139]

😑 ... I'm only upset because I laughed as hard as I did

[@armandogastonrayo2500]

Hahahaha!!! Nice one.

[@trumpetmano]

We saw what you did there...

[@rjs69]

By far the best history channel out there in this area. The voice, the rhythm of the speech fits perfectly with well edited topics. Keep up the great work!

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you, really glad you think so!

[@TheWorldofShanks]

Honestly one of my top 5 history channels along with kings and generals, history time, fire of learning and the histrocrat. Every time you upload I can't wait for the next

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you! That's very kind of you to say

[@John-db4jh]

This is probably the most well produced scripted podcast I listen to. Excellent work don't stop.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you, very kind of you!

[@paullewis2413]

Thanks Paul for another great podcast. It's not given to many to narrate history in an informative and interesting way but you have the gift. Keep up the good work and I look forward to many more to come.

[@joshewing3504]

Every time I think this podcast can’t get any better... you do it again! Really appreciate all your hard work!

[@Chironex_Fleckeri]

This podcast has every quality that makes me love and appreciate history. I have subscribed and rung the bell. Thank you to everyone who worked on this podcast.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you, much appreciated!

[@Ishkur23]

Fantastic work. I binged the whole series in the last two days. You deserve a BBC show for this. You have an eloquent style that demonstrates enthusiasm and reverence for the periods covered that rivals popular documentarian/historians like Mary Beard and Bettany Hughes. Well done. I'd suggest some other civilizations (Assyria, Minoa, American Indians, Great Zimbabwe, Lydia, Celts, Goths, Merv, Etruscans -- just off the top of my head) but you probably already have a backlog of suggestions to sift through.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you, that's very kind of you! These are some great suggestions - certainly some I plan to do, and I'll look into the others!

[@tylermac70]

Bro, I just came across your channel, while looking for a thorough history channel to listen to while falling asleep. Your content, pacing, tone of voice are spot on. New subscriber well earned!

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you! Really glad you're enjoying

[@adukaputra3223]

Finally, a new video..been waiting for a new one for so long..thanks

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you! Hope it's worth the wait.

[@adukaputra3223]

@@FallofCivilizations 😉sure it is..

[@FullMetalXV]

I already know so much about this specific time period but I can't stop listening and watching every bit I can on it. Such a magnificent, wonderful, mythical period in history.

[@barrymoody103]

What a wonderful series of podcasts this has been, beats anything on tv by a country mile. Thank you Paul and the rest of the people involved, it is much appreciated.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you Barry, very kind of you!

[@voxvire2350]

Thank you so much for all the effort you put into these every time!

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you, I really appreciate the kind words!

[@Fallingxleaves]

You are one of my favourite podcasts. I wish the episodes were more frequent but I also appreciate all the work you put into them, I’m sure it’s incredibly time consuming. I am captivated but each episode.

[@haleffect9011]

Wow that was incredible! I would love so many more civilisations, the Carolingians, the Mauria, the Byzantine, perhaps even the Ottomans? I hope you'll keep doing this for ever

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you! These are some great suggestions - certainly some are on the list for the future.

[@larryjuang5643]

@@FallofCivilizations Look forward to an episode on Carthage!

[@whothefoxcares]

@@FallofCivilizations Please do *the fall of excessively greedy corporations*

[@sevenprovinces]

@@whothefoxcares That would be a tricky one. Multinationals have been around for a while now, but can we really speak of a corporate culture that early? The rise and fall of the Dutch VOC and WIC, for instance, would be interesting, but I think it would be doing a disservice to actual civilizations to lump them in there. I'm with Larry, would love to see an episode on Carthage.

[@backalleycqc4790]

I would really like a podcast on Bactria...

[@cogle_arts7332]

Been waiting for this. These are fantastic. Thank you so much for your time and effort.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you, I really appreciate it!

[@SaltyMaltyMo]

@@FallofCivilizations Absolutely love your podcast! Glad I found them on Spotify. Any idea why episodes 3 and 7 are not on Spotify? It's like they just disappeared!

[@FallofCivilizations]

@@SaltyMaltyMo Yes I'm having trouble getting to the bottom of that! They are available on other platforms, and hopefully I can resolve this soon.

[@conordoerksen640]

Agreed

[@ddwkc]

Listening about entire civilizations setting ablaze always makes my day!

[@corrincrellin]

Another superb episode! Brilliant work! And, all those hours of playing Romance of the Three Kingdoms on SNES paid off as I was able to keep all the names straight in the last portion... It was great to hear about Lu Bu killing Dong Zhou and the detail about the candle burning for days burning off of the fat of Dong Zhou's stomach...

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed! Yes there are so many colorful details to choose from.

[@darkdefender6384]

Everything on these podcasts are absolutely beautiful! Well done!

[@lc4011]

I love this podcast. The original poetry and translations are beautiful. Thank you!

[@rossbrook5919]

Once again outstanding content. I listen to far to much KZbin. But these really stand out and this is now up there with my favourite channels. Genuinely top notch podcast.

[@roberthorwat6747]

I can listen to this over and over (and have!... well fairly big chunks if not all of it... yet). The detail is so razor sharp that I just can't take it all in and have to replay it over. A more fascinating, comprehensive and yes, enjoyable introduction to Chinese history I cannot imagine, as before I played this, I knew next to nothing. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@kristinachoquette3019]

You are remarkable. We are so lucky to be gifted such incredible content. Thank you for sharing these wonderful episodes. They are brilliant and much appreciated.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you Kristina, that's very kind of you!

[@jimgordon6629]

These all have been extremely well done and have certainly expanded my view of world history. Very well written and elegantly produced

[@moosesnWoop]

best history podcast out there. Listened and watched numerous times. Great for bedtime stories, especially when there's VO actors involved

[@VIIStar]

"They're barbarous. Their coats button... on the LEFT SIDE." ~audible gasp~

[@TheXmeimei]

🤣🤣🤣

[@DeaconFrost2010]

Those Han Dynasty scholar who wrote this clearly had a witty sense of humor LOL

[@rosschops9509]

Girls, then?

[@ldroland]

So glad to see the notification for your current installment. If you dont have a historical grant, it's a crime against humanity.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you! I'm supported purely on patreon subscribers at the moment.

[@hamidhamidi3134]

Brilliant work. Thank you.

[@ferencjozsef4479]

One of the best history podcasts on the web. Thank you

[@konstanzkuraz4479]

A mind boggling and engaging retelling of pertinent historical information previously unknown to many, including myself. Thank you!

[@srjklmmm4556666]

"They buttoned their coats on the left" Truly barbaric behaviour

[@kyriakos232]

Dressing in the suiting of drawing the bow with the right hand, back then archery was not practised by Chinese nobilities for half a millennia, dressing in suiting of the horsearchery tradition was indeed held as barbaric.

[@givemeurhats]

Women's coats button on the left. Is it a coincidence? Was it a jab/joke? Or is it one now?

[@kyriakos232]

@@givemeurhats do more research before questioning, I never heard in any period of ancient China was there a predominant culture of women to set the button on the left.

[@armyofninjas9055]

Left handed people disagree.

[@kyriakos232]

@@armyofninjas9055 left hands in, say, ancient Greece, will break the hoplite formation. Do know that even in ww2 majority of automatic rifles will causally spit the hot shellcase on left hand guys's face. Before modern times warfare tactic and equipment in a organized army is indeed a strange place to search for diversity and convenient.

[@metacomet2066]

I just found this series and I'm mesmerized. Magical. I'm binge-watching the entire thing. I'd love to hear your take on the Indus River Valley civilization. And I do hope you're taking notes on what's happening right here in the USA right now. Cheers.

[@SunnyLovetts]

Amazing content! One of the best Historians on youtube by far!

[@DavidKD2050]

As someone who has lived in China for 11 years I greatly appreciate this work. Profoundly helpful in piecing together today’s China. It has brought many things together for me. Again, extremely grateful, thanks.

[@christinecox6667]

I just love this series. The description of the crash of continents was evocative.

[@michaelludvik2173]

The story about the rivalry between eunuchs and dowagers was perfect

[@MrBritishNinja]

Fall of Civilizations Podcast? Finally, a podcast specific to my interests!

[@DitchWizardry]

Podcast: This is about the Han Dynasty. Me: Rad. Podcast: but first, I need to explain Wilson Supercontinent Cycles to put China in context. Me:

[@tsnowsill]

This is exactly why I love this podcast

[@matthewmimmack1076]

I am a storyteller my brother-in-law is a journalist, we often laugh about how we have to fill-in with something interesting or the story might be too short. He even calls it filler in his articles.

[@matthewmimmack1076]

Or he is storytelling like Michener, an author who also told historically not so accurate, but detailed history’s.

[@BeckBeckGo]

Yeah that was an epic opening

[@dankwarmouse6248]

@@matthewmimmack1076 What is not so historically accurate?

[@austinmiller9064]

As a video game nerd who grew up playing grand strategy games by koei that took place after the yellow turban rebellion(or during but that is boring start date) it was nice to hear the history without the fluff. I read the book about the three kingdoms by Lou guhzhong( probably got the name wrong it has been awhile) and while based in history it is steeped in mysticism kinda like an American tall tale. Great job on this. I loved it.

[@o_o_o_o_o-o_o_o_o_o]

Wow I never expected the guy who finally brought down this empire to be somebody I myself, as a child, beheaded in a Nintendo game. I think he was the first major boss enemy! Cao Cao lasts much longer, though... in the game at least. That Romance of the Three Kingdoms story has certainly traveled far!

[@devilravenninja9597]

Which version of Dynasty Warriors did you first play?

[@o_o_o_o_o-o_o_o_o_o]

@@devilravenninja9597 I have never played that series in any form! I was referring to Destiny of an Emperor for the NES. (Something like this could also have happened with the first four Romance of the Three Kingdoms games, which were ported to NES or SNES during the appropriate time period, but I never tried any of those for some reason - I stuck to Koei's Genghis Khan games instead.)

[@Kayessee]

This doesn't feel like a podcast. It's far greater.

[@kcolbinyar]

Another superb episode. I could listen to that voice all day. That was 3 hours and flew by. Just ordered your book too. Here's hoping for more content soon.

[@BTA_23]

Bravo! Love the intro, the voice, the pace, and the content! Top work.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you, really glad you enjoyed!

[@DaZeroHero]

Tried to watch these going to sleep and ended up staying up 6 extra hours watching. Thanks for the great content

[@eleanorlivings2474]

This is my favourite from this series, excellent podcast.

[@rustyreturns9754]

Another great episode!

[@Jablicek]

Superb! Travelling from Glasgow back to London, extensive podcasts are a must! Thank you for your perfect timing, and captivating stories.

[@FallofCivilizations]

My pleasure! Glad I could make the journeys pass quicker.

[@frankkolton1780]

Be glad you don't have to commute across the state of Texas, 1310 km.

[@Jablicek]

@@frankkolton1780 It was 10 hours or so through snow and rain, so much to see out of the windows. I do hope to drive across Texas, when the world's whole again. All the best , and be well

[@marcostenorio496]

Amazing. So difficult to find Chinese History literature in English, this is a great substitute. Looking forward to a part 2 of sorts :)

[@sof5858]

Not going to lie. I spend a lot of time on YT. This is currently my favourite channel.

[@davidlorang7697]

A true Knight. Thank you for putting together these podcasts. Very enjoyable. I actually smiled and said “Sweet” when I saw this come up today!

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you, very kind of you!

[@kimberlyj.miller6471]

What an excellent series. I've listened to four episodes so far and I think you have done a fantastic job. Thanks!

[@FallofCivilizations]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@KM-rs7tc]

The narrator had perfect intonation to tell this part of China History.

[@th-sd6ni]

love the narrator's voice. He's perfect.

[@matthewcreaks2147]

A great prelude to watching the 3 kingdoms show

[@YeshuaAlberto]

Nearly 3 hour podcast at 3am. Han me another beer!

[@dannyzhou8503]

A small clarification, Qin Shi Huang means the founding (shi) emperor (Huang) of the qin (qin) dynasty, rather than the name. His actual name was Ying Zheng and he was a captive in the kingdom of Zhao before becoming king of the qin, which later unified China.

[@OceanHedgehog]

Yeah, it's kind of similar to how Gaius Octavius later became known as Caesar Augustus. It wasn't his birth name, and from a historical perspective, it wouldn't necessarily be accurate to refer to him as "Augustus" when referencing the time period before he assumed that title.

[@natedizzle3026]

Bonus knowledge!! Thank you.

[@giddyup1to54]

Really enjoying these podcasts. Kind of stumbled in to them but what a great way to learn about History

[@kyarimaresuki]

Just last night, I was astonished by the movement of what is now the Indian subcontinent toward Asia, and what it did to create the Himalayas. I almost couldn't believe it, though I have seen the illustrations of the movement many times. What a weird coincidence this recording discusses it!

[@tannisbhee7444]

Thank you for the upload. Saw this in the morning, but had to go to work. Been looking forward to giving you a listen all day.

[@FallofCivilizations]

My pleasure! Hope you enjoy.

[@LadyLubdan]

The only complaint I have about ur vids... There's not enough of them! Lol! I want more! Fr though great work. Keep it up!

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you Bethany! Really glad you've been enjoying

[@scottcurran1483]

Nearly 3 hours of complete bliss.....thank you 😍

[@MKfanmomo]

The Romance of the Three Kingdoms novel is so fascinating and entertaining. You can find lots of media about it, i really enjoy the strategy games about it.

[@banishedfromars]

This channel has such great content .

[@blissgirl9052]

What an fantastic episode! I especially loved the bits in Mandarin, that added so much atmosphere!

[@jrichardson2146]

Thank you for this series, it's incredible! Really has kept me engaged during lockdown.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you, glad I could help!

[@55robinwood]

I keep listening to your podcasts over ons over. Superb!

[@mickael5994]

Best history channel I've seen on yt so far, keep it up!

[@donmac7780]

This is one of the very best series on You Tube! If only you had the budget of a BBC production! Will you be doing the rise and fall of the Tang dynasty? That is a story so dramatic, and a civilization so brilliant, that it would perhaps make your best episode.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you! This is a great suggestion, and I'd love to do it one day.

[@ahkl77]

Chinese call their Chinatowns overseas as ‘Tang people’s mall’ or 唐人街

[@psycoticdew7]

I don’t, “comment, like, and subscribe.” Except when one of your videos come out. Thank you for what you do!

[@stefansoder6903]

I love these series. Such effort and detail. Fantastic!

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you, very kind!

[@supercarnitas]

I cannot wait until you drop a new podcast, I’ve listened to all 10 now.

[@akashraj5073]

Great video brother these is an awesome podcast.

[@sida604]

Loved the episode. Thank you for the good work. I just wished you would've gone into more details when discussing the reforms of the Qin, especially those of Shang Yang, such as the utilisation of collective punishments for military units and civilian households, establishments of twenty ranks of nobility that enable soldiers to climb the social hierarchy through the slaying of foes in battle, and the control of food prices through the restriction of trade on agriculture produces. When discussing ancient historical reforms people often merely touches it briefly without going into details, making it difficult for the audience to truly understand how they impacted the society and were the society bettered compared to its past and other societies around it. Although I am not an expert in history myself, there are a few inaccuracies in the video which I've noticed. Some was probably due to the simplification of history to make this easier for those less knowledgeable to consume. Nonetheless, I've like to clarify below for those that wishes to know more. 1. Toward the end of the Warring States period the two most important states were Qin (秦) and Chu(楚), not Han(韩). 2. Qin Shi Huang(秦始皇) was not the name of the first emperor of Qin, that was his title, meaning The First Emperor of Qin. His actual personal name was Yin Zhen (嬴政). 3. Qin Shi Huang did almost none of the reforms himself. The most important reforms were largely implemented by the six Qin kings that came before him. The reason for Qin Shi Huang's successful wars was due to the hard works done by his ancestors. 4. The first state to deploy large quantity of cavalry in warfare was the state of Zhao, not Qin. 5. Qin Shi Huang killed scholars that politically against him, not for them unable to provide him with medicine of immortality. He also kept copies of the books which he burned in the imperial library. the library was later burned by the rebel Xiang Yu (项羽). 6. The first emperor of Han (汉) comes from the state of Chu (楚), not the state of Han (韩). The Chinese character for the dynasty of Han (汉) and the Chinese character for the state of Han (韩) are different and unrelated. The Han (汉) dynasty was named after the the commandery of Hanzhong (汉中), where Liu bang (刘邦), the founder of Han (汉) dynasty, first established his capital after the overthrown of Qin (秦), being enthroned as a king by his hegemonic overlord, the king of the newly revived kingdom of Chu. The commandery itself was named after the Han River (汉江). The name Hanzhong (汉中) literally means 'The Middle of Han (River)'.

[@chilluout]

Talking about the reforms of Qin would require talking about the Warring States period which produced Qin. This would inevitably lead to talking about the Spring and Autumn period. This video could be easily 100 hours long lol.

[@matthewmurdock6593]

Love your work and eagerly wait each new episode. Would love to hear what you come up with for the Tartarian Empire.

[@fireball422]

Wonderful Channel and wonderful news to hear

[@strangetranceoffaith]

The Chinese early inventions are mindblowing

[@hreodbeorhtcheesewright4889]

You might like the books "China: Land of Discovery and Invention"and "The Genius of China: 3000 Years of Science, Discovery and Invention", both by Robert Temple.

[@RichMitch]

@@hreodbeorhtcheesewright4889 I *will* enjoy these, thank you

[@Nsan]

Great episode! Very informative. You always do a great job.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you! Glad you thought so.

[@jjhawk4389]

Great Podcasts!

[@RajendraSingh-fz1zc]

Thank you for this amazing content. I was searching for a comprehensive content in one place. 👍💯

[@shao19851]

Can you do all of China’s imperial dynasty in the coming episode? Personally I think the end of Song is very tragic, on par with the Aztecs. Han wasn’t that bad since all the cultural lineage gets inherited and passed down.

[@Thaago]

Your channel and podcast are simply fantastic! Thank you for your hard work!

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you! Really glad you're enjoying

[@stalinsalazar2733]

Ottoman empire history is rich, it would be a good podcast

[@edwardpowellmusic]

HURREY!!! Been waiting for the next one - really look forward to I'm sure repeated listenings!

[@FallofCivilizations]

Really hope you enjoy!

[@primafacie5029]

There is some amazing content coming out on this channel!!!

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you, glad you're enjoying!

[@thewanderer6444]

I have been there. and these words still make me cry.

[@davidteache8735]

Thank u so much for your incredible effort

[@MQuadrucci]

I watch/listen to these presentations many times over; I wish I could Patreon a larger amount, but I'm pleased every time my Patreon receipt shows up... I hope this doesn't come off as gauche... To some extent, I just want to comment to interact with your videos FWIW.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thanks my friend, I really appreciate your kind words and support.

[@MQuadrucci]

@@FallofCivilizations My reaction to seeing that you took a moment to respond to, let alone even saw my note, was nothing short of "emotional" - it took me aback for a moment lol - I do truly admire you/r work.

[@cristinacandy496]

Always enjoy your podcasts! Thank you for your efforts!