All, I'm working on a POD of roughly 1755 when a massive plague (an ebola type virus) hits the world, particularly in hot, wet climates.
I'm thinking that trade would suffer as sailors died out and communication between east and west faded.
Unrest hits China, though the government is able to fight off a feeble western attempt to influence China through the "opium wars", etc.
China becomes more isolated.
At this point, when there is social unrest in the warmer, wetter, southern areas, I'd like to add in a new/old religion to the mix.
Say that "western" religions are banned due to European attempts to conquer China.
Any chance that Manichaeism (last seen largely in southern China), Nestorianism (Church of the East) or Zorostrianism (a few left in Iran and India) may take hold in the social unrest?
As "non-western" they are tolerated and during the plagues, Chinese seek a new enlightenment over Buddhism or Confuiousism that failed them.
These religions have some common values with the Chinese faiths.
Any chance an isolated of group of these dead or dying religions may take hold in the chaos?
Maybe via Persian or indian traders whom are allowed to trade with China after Europeans were banned?
Thanks.
I'm thinking that trade would suffer as sailors died out and communication between east and west faded.
Unrest hits China, though the government is able to fight off a feeble western attempt to influence China through the "opium wars", etc.
China becomes more isolated.
At this point, when there is social unrest in the warmer, wetter, southern areas, I'd like to add in a new/old religion to the mix.
Say that "western" religions are banned due to European attempts to conquer China.
Any chance that Manichaeism (last seen largely in southern China), Nestorianism (Church of the East) or Zorostrianism (a few left in Iran and India) may take hold in the social unrest?
As "non-western" they are tolerated and during the plagues, Chinese seek a new enlightenment over Buddhism or Confuiousism that failed them.
These religions have some common values with the Chinese faiths.
Any chance an isolated of group of these dead or dying religions may take hold in the chaos?
Maybe via Persian or indian traders whom are allowed to trade with China after Europeans were banned?
Thanks.