| This thesis analyzes Chinese early medieval society (A.D. 220-589) and challenges the accepted view that it was ruled by an oligarchy: a perennial aristocratic elite firmly entrenched in all loci of political power. The oligarchy theory stems from a programmatic approach to Chinese history, and from the questionable method of applying conclusions based on an analysis of T'ang society retroactively to the earlier period.; This study uses the biographical information contained in dynastic histories covering the entire early medieval period. Information from the Later Han history is also used, because many T'ang notables claimed to be descendants of prominent Later Han officials. This study shows that such claims were often unfounded.; By interfiling the biographical information for the entire early medieval period, this study identifies the clans that played an important role on the national level for more than one dynasty, and reconstructs their genealogies. There were 110 such clans, but the duration and level of their influence varied. The study maintains that three quantifiable elements determined each clan's status at any given time: the number of bureaucratic posts held and their rank, the number of noble titles received and their rank, and the number of Empresses installed on the throne. It analyzes the backgrounds of the most important officials, all the noble title-holders, and all the Empresses, and shows what percentage of them came from already established clans.; The combined results show that the most important official posts, and noble ranks were not filled from a constant pool of clans. The Lang-ya Wangs did maintain a presence in the top positions through most of the period but they stand out as an exception to the rule. Overall, the study indicates a considerable degree of mobility among other clans, which refutes the assertion that the composition of the ruling class remained unchanged during the early medieval period, or that China was ruled by an oligarchy. |
