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The development of ancient Chinese agricultural and water technology from 8000 BC to 1911 AD

Author

Listed:
  • Shuanglei Wu

    (The University of Queensland)

  • Yongping Wei

    (The University of Queensland)

  • Brian Head

    (The University of Queensland)

  • Yan Zhao

    (The University of Queensland)

  • Scott Hanna

    (The University of Queensland
    The University of Queensland)

Abstract

Technology developments have made significant impacts on both humans and the environment in which they live. However, there is limited whole-of-system understanding of ancient technology development. This paper aims to uncover the evolutionary pattern of the ancient Chinese agricultural technology system that focused on land and water mobilisations from 8000 BC to 1911 AD. Our findings show that agricultural technology in China transitioned through an extremely slow, S-shaped pathway, increasing only ten fold in over 8000 years. The technology system was initially driven by tangible tools (40% of growth), then by technological theories and practices that contributed more than 50% of growth. Its development was spatially inclined to the Yellow River then to the Yangtze River region, where over 45% of technologies were developed. This study provides an empirical baseline for comparative studies between pre-industrial and industrial technologies. Greater understanding of the mechanisms of technology development will be required to reorientate technology development for present and future generations.

Suggested Citation

  • Shuanglei Wu & Yongping Wei & Brian Head & Yan Zhao & Scott Hanna, 2019. "The development of ancient Chinese agricultural and water technology from 8000 BC to 1911 AD," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 5(1), pages 1-16, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:5:y:2019:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-019-0282-1
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-019-0282-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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