Changes

The 10th-11th centuries saw considerable technological and commercial developments in [[Song Dynasty]] China ([[960]]-[[1279]]), along with various concurrent developments in [[Heian period]] Japan. Interactions between China, Japan, and the Ryukyus increased, and migrants between the three regions introduced the cultivation of rice, wheat, barley, and other crops, and the raising of livestock into the Ryukyus.<ref name=pear1/>

The 10th-11th centuries saw considerable technological and commercial developments in [[Song Dynasty]] China ([[960]]-[[1279]]), along with various concurrent developments in [[Heian period]] Japan. Interactions between China, Japan, and the Ryukyus increased, and migrants between the three regions introduced the cultivation of rice, wheat, barley, and other crops, and the raising of livestock into the Ryukyus.<ref name=pear1/>

The people of the various islands, over the course of time, formed up into complex societies, generally taking the form of chiefdoms. For a time, the island became embroiled in considerable violence, as local elites built fortresses called ''[[gusuku]]'' and fought one another for land and power. It was also during this "Gusuku Period" that [[Ryukyuan pottery|pottery]] and [[porcelain]] were first introduced to the islands.<ref>''Okinawa bijutsu zenshû'' 沖縄美術全集. vol. 5, Okinawa Times (1989), 39.</ref>

The people of the various islands, over the course of time, formed up into complex societies, generally taking the form of chiefdoms. For a time, the island became embroiled in considerable violence, as local elites built fortresses called ''[[gusuku]]'' and fought one another for land and power.  

===Age of Maritime Trade===

===Age of Maritime Trade===