Ancient Civilizations: India and China

I. Ancient Indian Civilization

India

Ancient Indian Civilization Saudi Arabia Ancient Indian Civilization begins in the Indus River Valley

Indian climate Monsoon-seasonal wind that brings large amounts of rain to India

Harappa- earliest Indian Valley civilization (Pakistan) 3300 BC

2500 BC Harappan Writing

Mohenjo-Daro- largest early Indian valley civilization Near Pakistan Had furnaces, sewers, running water 3-4 story apartment houses

The great bath at Mohenjo-Daro 3000 BC The great bath at Mohenjo-Daro

Citadel- a fortress placed higher than the surrounding area

The Indo-Aryans in North India Came into India from the North Mountain passes and conquered the Original inhabitants

Caste System People are divided into different classes Brahmins at top of caste system Untouchables at the bottom of class system

Sanskrit- one of the earliest written languages -developed by people in India

The Vedas- sacred and holy writings of the ancient Indians

Hinduism Monism –all is God and God is all Reincarnation-rebirth of the soul Karma-what you do affects the next life Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva – 3 main gods

Buddhism-another “Indian” religion

Buddha’s teachings The “enlightened One” 4 Noble truths The eightfold path Deny self Nirvana is non-existence Did not accept Hindu polytheism

The Spread of Buddhism along the Silk Road

Mauryan Empire Emperor Asoka - renounced war after almost unifying India because he became a Buddhist

Indian culture Suttee and polygamy Lower castes live short, difficult lives Upper classes are well off, well fed, educated, have more rights Valued Education Math – used Phi, number system of 1-9 Medical- used inoculation and antiseptics

Suttee- last recorded case in 1987

II. Ancient Chinese Civilization

Gobi desert

The Huang He or Yellow River- powerful, life giving and life taking

Chinese ancient civilizations China’s history is dominated by rivers: Huang He, Wei, Yangtze 1. Started off as Neolithic tribes farming in river valleys 2. Small towns and cities developed 3. Grew into Five Kingdoms ruled by a single family which is called a Dynasty

How to Outline Notes on 5 Chinese Dynasties

1. Xia Dynasty Until 1959, was considered a myth

2. Shang Dynasty Invented silk Learned to use kaolin clay to make ceramics or “china” Writing based on pictures Calligraphy Spread Chinese culture across “China”

Shang artifacts

3. Zhou Dynasty Mandate of Heaven- God gives the Emperor the right to rule Iron plow invented

Zhou warrior

4. Qin or “Chin” Dynasty Shi Huangdi, established the first centralized empire by conquering all who objected Code of Qin Built Great Wall of China Brutal and harsh autocracy (dictatorship) “China” comes from his name

210 BC Shi Huangdi

Great Wall of China

5. Han Dynasty Emperor Wu Di - expanded Chinese empire into other parts of Asia Established Civil Service system Pax Sinica The Silk Road

Han fashion

5 Chinese Dynasties Xia Shang Zhou Qin or Chin Han Mandate of Heaven Was thought to be a myth Silk. china Mandate of Heaven Built great wall Brutal Silk Road calligraphy Plow “China” comes from Chin Civil service

Chinese Philosophy Yin and Yang Dualism – two sides Strive for Balance and Harmony Three main philosophies to deal with yin and yang have come out of China

Confucius Wrote “The Analects” which was about creating Order And Harmony among people and governments Family relations are number one 2. Respect one’s elders Reverence for the past and one’s ancestors 4. Government should be virtuous 551 BC

Daoism Laozi-the first Hippie Contemplation of nature Cease striving and strife Rejection of politics and materialism Art as a means to harmony and balance

Legalism Riches and power matter and should be sought by any means available People are basically wicked and only harshness will be effective when dealing with them Severe laws and punishment are necessary to maintain peace

Chinese Science First accurate 365 days per year calendar Discovered sunspots Invented seismograph Invented paper, sundial, water clock, printing, Acupressure and acupuncture Excellent embalmers

Seismograph

Lady Dai Best preserved mummy in the world Died of heart attack “Elixir of immortality” 440’s BC

The End