LESSON 9.2 How do we know about Japan under the sh̄oguns? LEARNING INTENTION By the end of this lesson you will be able to identify different types of historical sources that provide evidence of life during Japan’s sh̄ogunate period.
Tune in The Buddhist temple of T̄odai-ji shown in SOURCE1 is one of the largest structures in the world built without nails. 1. Discuss how you think Japanese builders were able to construct such an impressive building without nails. 2. Identify ways in which building technology has changed since then.
SOURCE1 The Buddhist temple of T̄odai-ji
9.2.1 What evidence is there? Japanese museums, temples and shrines preserve many relics that tell us about Japan’s past. The most precious items are listed as national treasures. These could be buildings, sculptures, paintings, documents, artefacts or even people. 9.2.2 Architecture Much can be learned about Japan’s past by examining its surviving buildings. The construction techniques, materials and designs provide valuable insights into architecture, technology and the way people lived. Some of the oldest buildings are located in the cities of Nara, Kamakura and Kyoto, which were important governmental centres at various points in Japan’s history. These cities also served as religious centres, housing shrines for Japan’s ancient Shint̄o faith, and notable Buddhist temples and pagodas . The architecture from different periods of Japanese history reveals significant information about those times. For instance, an era marked by the construction of numerous temples indicates the prominence of religion during that period. Conversely, a time characterised by the building of large castles suggests the considerable influence of wealthy families. Additionally, architecture provides clues about the technological advancements of the time. The presence of large wooden structures built without nails demonstrates the high level of craftsmanship among builders of that era.
210 Jacaranda Humanities Alive 8 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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