Ancient China

Geography Yellow/Huang He River Provided Silt, irrigation Called “China’s Sorrow” due to its horrible flooding. Isolation: no trading to know3n world early on.

Social Structure/Classes Kings ruled Nobles helped rule and owned land Peasants worked (Feudal System) Family Important

Political Patterns King rules all Mandate of Heaven – god’s approval if ruler is fair and just. Shang Dynasty – first dynasty in China.

Economic Patterns Used coined money Made iron and bronze Had wooden houses

Scientific Advancements Roads and canals built to stimulate trade and agriculture Coined money Blast furnace that produced cast iron tools and weapons

Language Development Pictograms: Enormous!!! Over 10,000 characters, different languages, same writing

Religious Traditions Polytheistic Ancestor spirits important Oracle Bones- used to talk to the gods

The Indus valley Civilization (India)

Geography Indian Subcontinent Himalayan and Hindu Kush Mountains serve as natural barriers Indus River Valley provided silt but had dangerous flooding Monsoons- seasonal rain and drought

Social Patterns/classes Few social class divisions Toys and animals found everywhere Cities built on platforms

Political Patterns Theocracy Rulers were connected to religion Citadel – was the fortified city center

Economic Patterns Traded gold, silver, jewelry, cotton cloth to Mesopotamia and Egypt via river routes

Scientific Advancements Advanced sewage system City Planning Levees Complex writing

Language Development Complex language – never has been decoded Found on seals and stamps

Religious Traditions Polytheistic No temples found Basis for modern Hinduism