Classical Civilizations of China & India

Political Dynasties of China  The first recoded histories of China began with the Shang Dynasty.  A Dynasty is a political system in which Emperors pass control to family members.  Emperors kept their power by “Mandate of Heaven,” which meant they are rulers because they received favor from the gods.

Qin Dynasty  There was constant warfare in China as kings fought for control of China. This was known as the “Warring States” Period.  The Qin State conquered all of China ending the wars & unifying it under one Kingdom.  The Qin expanded the size of China and began building the Great Wall to keep out northern nomadic warriors known as the Huns.  Qin believed in Legalism- that all people are evil. The only way to keep people in line is with strict laws and harsh punishments.  People were unhappy with the Qin rulers and rebelled after 17 years. Qin Dynasty in 2 1/2 minutes Qin Dynasty in 2 1/2 minutes

Belief Systems  Confucius believed that society would be better if people cared for each other & respected each other according to relationship.  Confucian Beliefs are written in the Analects. 5 Key Relationships:  Ruler / Subject  Husband / Wife  Father / Son  Elder / Younger  Friend to Friend Confucianism Video Confucianism Video

Think – Pair - Share  You will answer the following questions in partnered groups. Be ready to discuss with the class for credit.  Which Philosophy of Rule do you believe is better; Legalism or Confucianism?  Are their advantages to both? Explain.  Why do you believe these beliefs (although very different) both attempt to bring social order to China in Ancient times?  You will have 2-3 minutes to discuss.

Classical Indian Civilization

Mauryan Dynasty  Like China, North India was made up of warring city- states. Then Chandragupta Maurya seized power.  He conquered all other city- states and created the 1 st unified Dynasty.  He was a harsh ruler and began to grow and improve his empire. Alexander loses in India

Mauryan Dynasty (cont.) Asoka  Asoka was the grandson of Chandragupta maurya.  He was also a brutal leader who continued to wage bloody wars to increase the size of the empire.  He converted to Buddhism and changed to a man of peace.  He encouraged trade and stability of his empire through fair rule and not violence.  His empire fell Apart shortly after his death. Asoka Video Asoka Video

BUDDHISM Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (A Hindu Prince) in India. Four Noble Truths 1.Life is suffering (sadness & pain) 2.Suffering is caused by desires (Things you want) 3.To end suffering, one must end desires (stop wanting stuff) 4.To end desires, one must follow the 8-fold path. Buddhism Video Buddhism Video

By following the 8-fold path, a person could release himself from the cycle of reincarnation and suffering to reach Nirvana.

Closing Task: Classical Religions Chart  You will organize the religions we covered in class on one Chart and the basic beliefs or dogma of each.  The Religions you will use will be Egyptian Beliefs, Zoroastrianism, Legalism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism.  Fee free to use class resources to help you complete your chart. Religions of the Ancient World ReligionName Where originated Base Beliefs/ How Spread Important/People Texts ChristianityMiddle EastTeaching of MissionariesJesus, Jesus, BiblePaul(Spread beliefs)