Dragonkeeper

This novel explicitly takes place within the early years of Emperor Wu’s reign; he belonged to the Western Han dynasty period of imperial China, which lasted from 202 BCE to 9 CE. The Western Han dynasty was succeeded by a brief Xin dynasty period, when a regent temporarily took over control of the country. In 25 CE, this era was then succeeded by the Eastern Han dynasty. However, the two Han dynasties are typically referred to as one period due to their similarities and their coherent ruling house. The Han dynasty is usually considered to be one of the most important periods of Chinese history because it directly impacted the collective identity of modern China, with many Chinese people now referring to themselves as “Han people.”

Historically, this period was a hotbed of cultural and technological development, with Confucianism driving politics and education while the country also achieved notable practical and scientific developments such as papermaking, astronomy, and even seismology. Common religious beliefs of the era were often based on spirit and ancestor worship, with people making sacrifices to spirits in rivers and near other natural landmarks. (This practice is depicted in the novel to dramatic effect when villagers attempt to sacrifice a girl in exchange for rain and a bountiful harvest.