MAN/LAND ratio and dynastic cycle in imperial china : a malthusian interpretation

Part of : Αρχείον οικονομικής ιστορίας ; Vol.II, No.1, 1992, pages 113-125

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113-125
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We offer empirical evidence of «man/land ratio» in four Chinese dynasties. The ratio of real population over imputed population which arable land can accommodate is defined as «man/land radio». This ratio seems to be able signal whether the dynasty was in a rising or falling phase. The evidence suggests when this ratio was less than 1, the dynasty was rising; while when it was over 1.5, the dynasty unavoidably declined.
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