Ancient China How the geographic location of China helped to develop?

Introduction  The geography of Ancient China shaped the way the civilization and culture developed. The large land was isolated from much of the rest of the world by dry deserts to the north and west, the Pacific Ocean to the east, and impassable mountains to the south. This enabled the Chinese to develop independently from other world civilizations. [1] es/all_under_heaven.png

Causes  Being isolated from the other countries, China had to develop relying on the knowledge and ingenuity of their people. They did not know the culture of other countries and could only expect about life outside the " walls”. But it’s helped them to develop their country and this isolating in some ways was good for them because on them could not attack and conquer other states.

Rivers  Perhaps the two most important geographical features of Ancient China were the two major rivers that flowed through central China: the Yellow River to the north and the Yangtze River to the south. These major rivers were a great source of fresh water, food, fertile soil, and transportation. They also were the subjects of Chinese poetry, art, literature, and folklore. [1]

Mountains  To the south and southeast of China are the Himalaya Mountains. These are the highest mountains in the world. They provided a nearly impassable border for Ancient China, keeping the area isolated from many other civilizations. They were also important to Chinese religion and were considered sacred. [1]

Desserts  To the north and west of Ancient China were two of the world's largest deserts: the Gobi Desert and the Taklamakan Desert. These deserts also provided borders that kept the Chinese isolated from the rest of the world. The Mongols, however, lived in the Gobi Desert and were constantly raiding cities of northern China. This is why the Great Wall of China was built to protect the Chinese from these northern invaders. [1]

Interesting facts [1]  Today the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River serves as the world's largest hydro-electric power source.  The Yellow River also has the name "China's Sorrow" because of the terrible floods that have occurred throughout history when its banks overflowed.  The Taklamakan Desert has the nickname of the "Sea of Death" because of its temperature extremes and poisonous snakes.  Much of the Silk Road traveled along the deserts to the north and west of China.  The religion of Buddhism is closely associated with the Himalaya Mountains.

Technologies and inventions [2]  the Grand Canal and the Great Wall of China;  Silk  Paper  Printing  The Compass  Gunpowder  Boat Rudder  Other

Interesting facts  Gunpowder, paper, printing, and the compass are sometimes called the Four Great Inventions of Ancient China.  Kites were first used as a way for the army to signal warnings.  Umbrellas were invented for protection from the sun as well as the rain.  Chinese doctors knew about certain herbs to help sick people. They also knew that eating good foods was important to being healthy.  Compasses were often used to make sure that homes were built facing the correct direction so they would be in harmony with nature.  The Grand Canal in China is the longest manmade canal or river in the world. It is over 1,100 miles long and stretches from Beijing to Hangzhou.  They invented the abacus in the 2nd century BC. This was a calculator that used sliding beads to help compute math problems quickly.  A clear coating called lacquer was made to protect and enhance certain works of art and furniture.  Paper money was first developed and used in China during the Tang dynasty (7th century). [2]

Resources  Kids History: Geography of Ancient China. (2012, March 12). Retrieved February 2, 2016, from y_of_ancient_china.php This site is a product of TSI (Technological Solutions, Inc.), Copyright 2016, All Rights Reserved. By using this site you agree to the Terms of Use.[1] y_of_ancient_china.php  Ancient China for Kids: Inventions and Technologies. (2012, March 14). Retrieved February 2, 2016, from _technology.php This site is a product of TSI (Technological Solutions, Inc.), Copyright 2016, All Rights Reserved. By using this site you agree to the Terms of Use.[2] _technology.php