Unit 1: Early Civilizations Prehistory – A.D. 1570 Part 1: Chapters 1 - 3

Quick Review: Ch. 1 - 2 What is the ‘Neolithic Revolution’ about? What are some of the basic features of early civilization? What is the Fertile Crescent? How did Egyptian religious beliefs influence their society? What makes the Ancient Jewish people and their religion of Judaism unique?

Chapter 3 Ancient India and China 2600 B.C. – A.D. 550 EQ: What are the main characteristics of the ancient civilizations of Asia?

Section 1: Early Civilizations of India and Pakistan About 2600 B.C., the earliest S. Asian civilization emerged in the Indus River valley, present-day Pakistan.

Aryans Rise to Power Around 1800 B.C., Aryans migrate from Central Asia and rise to power in the Indus River Valley

Section 2 Hinduism and Buddhism Both of these major world religions began in Ancient India. Buddhism would later travel to East Asia and spread.

Keys to Hinduism Many gods, but everything is part of an all-powerful spiritual force known as Brahman. Goal: Achieve Moksha (union with Brahman) A Hindu’s karma (life actions) determines their reincarnation (level of rebirth in next life) and closeness to Moksha Linked to the Caste System Castes are social classes A person in a higher caste is purer and therefore closer to Moksha than a person in a lower caste Discussion Q: Any similarities / differences between Hinduism and religion in America?

Keys to Buddhism Based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (The Buddha: ‘Enlightened One’) 4 Noble Truths Life is full of pain Pain is caused by selfish desire Cure for pain = remove selfish desires How to remove selfish desires? = Follow the Eightfold Path Ex: right speech, right conduct, right mindfulness, etc. Goal = Achieve Nirvana (spiritual union with the universe) The Buddha’s devoted followers spread his teachings into many parts of Asia Discussion Q: Any similarities / differences between Buddhism and religion in America?

Section 3: Powerful Empires of India Maurya Empire (321 BC – 185 BC) 1st Indian Empire Vast and United Most Honored Emperor = Asoka Gupta Dynasty (320 AD – 540 AD) United and Strong Central Government India’s ‘Golden Age’ Peaceful and Prosperous Cultural Advances Art, Literature, Math, Medicine

Section 4: Rise of Civilization in China Shang Dynasty (1766 – 1122 BC) 1st Chinese Dynasty supported by evidence Located in Northern China Mostly Ruled by Princes and Local Nobles

Zhou Dynasty (1122 – 256 BC) The Mandate of Heaven Feudalism Good Government = Heaven’s Blessing to Rule Weak / Corrupt Government = Lost the Support of Heaven (and therefore the people) Feudalism Ruling dynasty gives power to local landlords in return for loyalty and service. Discussion Q: If a Chinese dynasty became weak or corrupt, what do you think might happen?

Chinese Belief Systems Confucianism (based on teachings of Confucius) Teachings on the importance of harmonious relationships, moral living and moral government Daoism Focused on living in harmony with nature Sought the mysterious ‘way of the universe’ Ying and Yang Discussion Q: Any similarities to religion in America? Confucius

Section 5: Strong Rulers Unite China Shi Huangdi The ‘1st Emperor’ of China Brutal but defeated competing states to unify China Ordered the building of the Great Wall and the creation of the Terracotta Soldiers Rule is short but effective 221 – 210 BC

Han Dynasty Strengthens China 202 BC – 220 AD Increased Chinese Land and Economy Silk Road – connects China to the West Advances in Science, Technology, and Art Chinese call themselves the ‘people of Han’ Map of the Silk Road

Quick Review of Ch. 3 What are some keys to Hinduism / Buddhism? How would you describe India’s Gupta Dynasty? What is the ‘mandate of heaven’ idea? What are some keys to Confucianism / Daoism? What is your opinion of Shi Huangdi?