Heian and Ch'ang-an
The Japanese modelled their new captial
cities after those of China, especially the T'ang capital of
Ch'ang-an.
Above, the Chinese capital of Ch'ang-an. Originally built
in 202 BCE as the capital of the Former Han dynasty, it was destroyed
during the Wang Mang interregnum (7-23 AD). It was rebuilt and
expanded as the capital of the Sui (581-618) and T'ang (618-907)
dynasties.
Below, Heian or Kyöto, the
capital of Japan from 794 to 1185. Like Ch'ang-an, the city was built
is a neat grid with the imperial palace at the top.
