The HĂŒlegĂŒids, 1258-1335, and the challenge of extended lines of communication
Communication and contact between the two ancient civilizations of Iran and China have a long, if sometimes sporadic, history. From the time of the Han Dynasty (206 BCE -220 CE) 'strategic' communication - communication networks that are essential to the survival of a state - have been a significant aspect of statecraft as rulers over a millennium ago endeavoured to defend their dominions and sustain their power. The interdiction of communication networks could lead to governance becoming paralysed as the ability of rulers to maintain contact with farflung officials and collect vital intelligence about challenges to their power would be jeopardized. The thesis that is presented here is that whilst there are features common to most pre-modern communication systems, that of the Chinggisids' displayed some unique characteristics. It will be further argued that the sheer extent of their conquests was the Achilles Heel of the imperial project since it resulted in the dangerous overstretch of the communication network. This was exacerbated not only by the limited technology available but also by internecine strife within the imperial family which further endangered already vulnerable communications. Such factors,
Bateman, Gillian Elizabeth
The HĂŒlegĂŒids, 1258-1335, and the challenge of extended lines of communication. Communication and contact between the two ancient civilizations of Iran and China have a long, if sometimes sporadic, history. From the time of the Han Dynasty (206 BCE -220 CE) 'strategic' communication - communication networks that are essential to the survival of a state - have been a significant aspect of statecraft as rulers over a millennium ago endeavoured to defend their dominions and sustain their power. The interdiction of communication networks could lead to governance becoming paralysed as the ability of rulers to maintain contact with farflung officials and collect vital intelligence about challenges to their power would be jeopardized. The thesis that is presented here is that whilst there are features common to most pre-modern communication systems, that of the Chinggisids' displayed some unique characteristics. It will be further argued that the sheer extent of their conquests was the Achilles Heel of the imperial project since it resulted in the dangerous overstretch of the communication network. This was exacerbated not only by the limited technology available but also by internecine strife within the imperial family which further endangered already vulnerable communications. Such factors,
challenge extend line communication communication contact ancient civilization iran china long sometimes sporadic history time han_dynasty bce strategic communication communication_network essential survival state significant_aspect ruler endeavour defend dominion sustain power communication_network could lead governance become ability ruler maintain contact official collect vital intelligence challenge power would present whilst feature_common pre_modern communication_system displayed unique_characteristic argue sheer extent conquest imperial project since result dangerous communication_network exacerbate limited technology available also strife within imperial_family endanger already vulnerable communication factor