River Valley Dynasties in China S. McGlauthing

The Geography of China Natural barriers isolated China from other ancient civilizations Pacific Ocean Himilayas Deserts Huang He (Yellow River) deposited dusty yellow silt when it floods. The silt is fertile soil called loess.

China’s Dynasties Xia Dynsaty – no written records not much known Shang Dynsaty – first family of Chinese rulers to leave written records Anyang (capital) – was made of wood Surrounded their cities with walls Social Classes – sharp divisions between Nobles – owned land Peasants – worked the land Artisians made magnificant bronze weapons and vessels

Shang Dynasty Origins of Culture Community and family more important than the individual Male dominate (patriarchial) Women treated inferior Achievements: Writing Silk Coined money Cast iron

Chinese Dynasties Zhou Dynasty Overthrew the Shang Large cities with roads and canals

Your Turn On page 15 of your ISN you will create a illustrated dictionary. Terms can be found on pages 48-50 These are the terms you will illustrate: Oracle bones Mandate of Heaven Dynastic Cycle Feudalism