Minna Wu

In contrast to past studies—which focused on the geo-historical aspect of small states in Shandong peninsula by identifying names, locations, and migrations that basically relied on later texts—this project focuses on the discussion of the different trajectories and social changes these secondary states in Shandong underwent as they moved toward statehood. It uses excavated material, archaeological research, and contemporary historical sources, and relies on close collaboration with scholars of research institutions in China. This dissertation seeks to achieve the following goals: 1) discover the different trajectories of secondary state formation within the historical context of Zhou expansion in its eastern periphery; 2) compare the rise and development of these peripheral states and the roles they co-played in the formation of Chinese civilization; and 3) contribute to the theoretical discussion of important issues such as secondary state formation, core/periphery relations, and interregional interactions to attain a more holistic understanding of the evolution of societies.