Overview
This lecture explores the history, architecture, and inner life of the Forbidden City, the monumental palace complex that served as the heart of imperial China for 500 years.
Origins and Construction
- The Forbidden City was built between 1407 and 1420 in Beijing for the Chinese emperor, regarded as the "Son of Heaven."
- Construction involved up to a million laborers and 100,000 craftsmen, using prized nanmu wood and massive marble stones.
- The complex included around 1,000 buildings and nearly 10,000 rooms, symbolizing imperial authority and cosmic order.
Structure and Layout
- The Forbidden City is a walled rectangular compound, 3/4 km wide, nearly 1 km deep, covering 720,000 square meters.
- It is divided into two main sections: the outer court (official/governmental functions) and the inner court (residential/domestic life).
- Access was restricted; only the emperor, eunuchs, and authorized personnel could enter the innermost precincts.
Government and Administration
- The emperor had absolute power, serving as ruler, judge, military leader, and moral guide.
- The bureaucracy was staffed by mandarins, selected through rigorous civil examinations held every three years.
- Official ranks among mandarins and buildings were indicated by special attire, badges, and roof decorations.
Ceremonies and Daily Life
- Major ceremonies took place in the Hall of Supreme Harmony and its adjacent halls.
- Audience days began before dawn, with strict discipline among attending mandarins.
- The palace's architecture followed principles of hierarchy and symbolism, with each detail reflecting status or mythological significance.
Eunuchs and Palace Staff
- Eunuchs managed much of the palace's daily operations, with numbers peaking at 70,000 but falling to 1,500 by the end of the dynasty.
- Many eunuchs were former captives or volunteers seeking improved living conditions.
The Emperor’s Family and Inner Court
- The emperor practiced polygamy, maintaining an empress, consorts, and numerous concubines, all living in separate palaces.
- Inner court life was highly regulated; women were chosen based on lineage and potential to bear heirs.
- The empress dowager Cixi effectively ruled from behind the throne for nearly 50 years in the late 19th century.
Decline and Legacy
- The Forbidden City witnessed the decline of imperial China, with the last emperor expelled in 1924.
- The complex became the Palace Museum, undergoing extensive restoration in modern times.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Forbidden City — Imperial palace complex in Beijing, home to 24 Chinese emperors.
- Mandarin — Scholar-official in imperial China's civil service.
- Eunuch — Castrated man serving as palace staff, often wielding significant influence.
- Nanmu — Rare, durable wood used in palace construction.
- Hall of Supreme Harmony — Main ceremonial hall for state functions and imperial audiences.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review lecture notes on Chinese dynastic history and architecture.
- Prepare for quiz on Forbidden City's structure, important figures, and symbolism.