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Civilization grows along the Huang He (Yellow) River Fine soil carried in the river called loess gives it a yellow color Dikes built to keep river from overflowing

Isolated by natural barriers – mountains, deserts Led to belief that China was the sole source of civilization Little contact with traders and invaders lukerosa@gmail.com

Dynasties ruled by families From about 1650 – 1027 BC Dynasties ruled by families Kings ruled a small area, loyal family clans held the rest lukerosa@gmail.com

Shang Di was the Supreme Deity Gods will not respond to mere mortals Ancestor worship involved rituals and sacrifices to speak to the Gods

The Yin & Yang symbolize the balance of two forces Yin = Earth, darkness, female, cool, wet Yang = Heaven, light, male, warm, dry

Oldest examples found on oracle bones Over 10,000 pictograph & ideograph characters Developed into calligraphy A single writing system helped unite China

The royal family & nobles control society Artisans and merchants represent the middle class Most of the population are peasant farmers lukerosa@gmail.com

Copper coins used Expanding trade routes Develop silk thread from cocoons of silkworms Silk becomes a valuable export