The “Classical Era” in the East

The Empires of India

The Aryan Invasion Indus River Valley Civilization suddenly collapsed. The people living in region were then conquered by the Aryans. Aryans came from Central Asia arriving in India about 1,500 B.C. Aryans were nomadic people. By 900 B.C. Aryans had formed city-states ruled by its own ruler. They developed their own form of writing, known as Sanskrit.

MAJOR BELIEFS OF HINDUISM The Aryans also brought a new religion to India, known as Hinduism. Gods. Hindus believe that there are many gods and goddesses. Each of these gods, however, is a manifestation (form) of one Supreme Being. Reincarnation. Hindus believe that at death, a person’s soul is reborn as another living thing. This creates an endless cycle of rebirth for each soul. MAJOR BELIEFS OF HINDUISM Karma. Karma refers to a person’s behavior in life, which Hindus believe determines that person’s form in the next life. People who live a good life will be reborn in a higher caste. Those who do not are reborn in a lower caste. Sacred objects. Hindus believe the Ganges River is sacred and has the power to wash away sin and evil. The cow is also considered sacred, and religious Hindus do not eat beef.

The Caste System A social system divided by occupation and money

MAJOR BELIEFS OF BUDDHISM Basic Philosophy. Buddhism is based on a philosophy of self-denial and mediation. Buddhist also believe in reincarnation. God and Holy Books. Buddhist do not believe in a single Supreme Being (God). They also do not have a primary holy book. Their basic beliefs are found in books called Sutras. MAJOR BELIEFS OF BUDDHISM Eightfold Path. To give up selfish human desires, Buddhist believe one should follow this path: have the right goals, have the right perspectives, be aware, act in a worthy manner, speak truthfully, live righteously, respect all living things, and meditate. Four Noble Truths. These truths explain life’s meaning. They explain that pain and suffering is caused by human desires, such as the desire for material wealth and selfish pleasures. Only by giving up wrongful desires can a person find peace and harmony. Nirvana. By following the Eightfold Path, an individual can escape the soul’s endless reincarnations and achieve nirvana – state of eternal peace and bliss.

The Spread of Buddhism

The Mauryan Empire (321 B.C. – 232 A.D. ) King Chandragupta challenged the Greeks and established the powerful Mauryan Empire in India. Asoka (269 B.C. – 231 B.C.) was the next great ruler of India. converted to Buddhism, peace and prosperity: roads, hospitals, laws, shrines – empire declined at death

The Gupta Empire (320 A.D. – 535 A.D.) “Golden Age” – devised Arabic number system, decimal system, concept of zero, vaccines against smallpox, architecture (stupas) Declined due to weak rulers, civil war, and foreign invaders

The Dynasties of China

Dynastic Cycle in China Strong dynasty established peace and prosperity; it is considered to have Mandate of Heaven. The new dynasty gains power, restore peace and order, and claims to have Mandate of Heaven In time, dynasty declines and becomes corrupt; taxes are raised; power grows weaker. ROLE OF MANDATE OF HEAVEN Dynasty is overthrown through rebellion and bloodshed; a new dynasty emerges. Disasters such as floods, famines, and invasions occur. Old dynasty is seen as having lost Mandate of Heaven; rebellion is justified.

MAJOR BELIEFS OF CONFUCIANSIM Confucianism Natural Order. There is a natural order to the universe and to human relationships. Each person has a role in society, which reflects his or her position in the universe. Role of Each Person. Each person’s social role brings a number of obligations. If everyone fulfills these roles by meeting their obligations, people and society will be in harmony. MAJOR BELIEFS OF CONFUCIANSIM Relationships. In each relationship, there is a superior and an inferior. The superior must show love and responsibility, while the inferior must show loyalty and obedience. Mandate of Heaven. If the ruler benefits his people and provides them with food and protection, then the people will obey their ruler, who will continue to hold the Mandate of Heaven (right to rule).

Zhou Dynasty (1027 B.C. – 221 B.C.) In 1027 B.C. the Shang were conquered, marking the beginning of the Zhou Dynasty. New Ruler claims his Mandate of Heaven The greatest legacy of the Zhou Dynasty was the work of two Chinese philosophers, Confucius and Lao Tzu.

Qin Dynasty 221 B.C. – 206 B.C.) Qin Dynasty Shi Huangdi Abolished feudalism – set up military districts Harsh – Legalism Standardized weights and measures Improved transportation – canals, roads The Great Wall Collapse of Qin Shi Huangdi’s death Revolts over high taxes, forced labor, and cruel policies Liu Bang claimed Mandate of Heaven

Han Dynasty (206 B.C. – 220 A.D.) 206 B.C. – A.D. 220 Wudi – most famous emperor Expanded the empire Silk Road – new foods: cucumbers, grapes, walnuts from western Asia – 4000 miles to Fertile Crescent Confucianism Civil service exams

Han Dynasty Cont. “Golden Age” Science: books on chemistry, zoology, astronomy, simple seismograph Medicine: acupuncture Technology: paper, iron stirrups, rudder, wheelbarrows, suspension bridges