Ancient Cultures

Ancient Japan
Gives timeline and events during old Japanese history from approximately 10,000 B.C. to the end of the Heian Period in 1192 A.D.
http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/ANCJAPAN/ANJAPAN1.HTM

Ancient Japan
Outlines the major developments of the Jomon through the Nara periods. Mentions important figures and dates.
http://mockingbird.creighton.edu/english/worldlit/wldocs/churchill/japan.htm

Asuka Historical Museum
History and art of Asuka, the first Japanese capital (7th century). Virtual museum containing both text and photos.
http://www.asukanet.gr.jp/asukahome/

Crystalinks.com - Ancient Japan
Ancient Japan Haiku history and chronology.
http://www.crystalinks.com/japan.html

Diaries of Court Ladies of Old Japan
Includes 3 diaries written by women aristocracy, created around 1000 AD.
http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/omori/court/court.html

East Asian History Sourcebook
Provides access to primary source texts from East Asian countries, particularly China, Japan, and Korea. Arranged by era from ancient history to post-World War II.
http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/eastasia/eastasiasbook.html

Edo Japan - A Virtual Tour
Take a tour through Tokyo during the period of the Tokugawa shoguns, and learn about the history of Japan's greatest city. Illustrated by ukiyo-e images, the text discusses the traditions that underlie Japanese culture.
http://www.us-japan.org/edomatsu/

History of Japan - William Gilmore
Outlines Japanese history through the Meiji period of restoration. Find links to major historical figures and events.
http://loki.stockton.edu/~gilmorew/consorti/1ceasia.htm

History of Japan's Literature
Includes brief overviews of each period of Japanese literature from ancient times to present.
http://www.kanzaki.com/jinfo/jliterature.html

Japan Information Network - Todaiji Temple
Temple complex in Nara, Japan includes the largest wooden building in the world. View the Great Buddha housed inside and learn about the complex's history.
http://web-japan.org/atlas/historical/his13.html

Japan of Today
Includes a brief history of Japan from ancient times through developments after 1945. Find geographical and topographical details as well.
http://web-japan.org/museum/historyofjp/histjp.html

Japanese Rice Culture - The Misunderstood Philosophy of the Agrarian Past
Essay on ancient rituals and peasant society practices that became part of Japanese traditional culture and still influence present day rural society.
http://home.worldcom.ch/~negenter/473bTx_E01.html

Jo-Bo System of Heijo-Kyo, Ancient Japan
Brief discussion of ancient city planning, using Nara as the example. Illustrations of the original grid system and its remains.
http://www.hgeo.h.kyoto-u.ac.jp/soramitsu/heijokyo.html

Kaido: The Ancient Roads of Japan
A kids' information site from the Nagano Olympics, has basic information on the establishment and use of roads from c. 700.
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/nagano/atlas/a-8.html

Kamakura
Includes origins, history, and glossary of place names.
http://www.kcn-net.org/e_kama_history/

Nakasendo Highway: A Journey to the Heart of Japan
Gives description and significance of one of Japan's most important roads, as well as its influence on history and Japan's development.
http://hkuhist2.hku.hk/nakasendo/

Study of the Enoshima Engi
A study, including translation, of the Enoshima Engi, a 6th century dragon story by the 11th century Japanese monk Kokei. Finds Kokei's narrative is closer to history than myth.
http://www2.gol.com/users/bartraj/goddessindex-1.html

Women Warriors of Japan
Provides a history of women's role in Japanese martial arts from the ancient era until modern times.
http://www.koryu.com/Library/wwj1.html