Ancient China

Shang Dynasty (1750-1122 B.C.E.) Political/ Social Structures Economic Kings ruled; Military leaders governed territories Wanted to expand empire Economic Farming society ruled by an aristocracy Cultural/ Religious Oracle Bones Ancestor Worship

Shang Dynasty

Zhou Dynasty (1045-256 B.C.E.) Political/ Social Structures Economic Rulers received power from the Mandate of Heaven Complex rights and ceremonial duties Feudal Rule Ruled by king; has strict social order Economic Trade of local products (like our farmers markets) Later they trade with foreign lands (salt, iron, cloth) Cultural/ Religious Filial Piety Males superior – supposed to care for rest of the family Women raised children; worked at home Followed Confucianism

I’m so good I built the Great Wall of China! Qin Dynasty (221-206 B.C.E.) Political/ Social Structures New highly centralized state; Created strong central bureaucracy Position based on merit NOT birth China becomes unified Followed Legalism Economic Built Great Wall and Roads Cultural/ Religious Terra-cotta army I’m so good I built the Great Wall of China! Emperor Qin Shihuangdi

Don’t…Mess with me! Protect his tomb!!! Why do you think the Emperor built this army?

Han Dynasty (202 B.C.E. - A.D. 220) Political/ Social Structure Same government as Qin Dynasty EXCEPT: Expand bureaucracy; create Civil Service Exam HUGE territorial gains Follow Confucianism NOT Legalism Economic Development of steel & paper!!! Expanded trade routes (Silk Road) Trade silk, spices, tea & porcelain Cultural/ Religious Taught Confucianism in school; how to act as adult

Art/Science/ Technology Art reflects culture! Promoted Daoism Silk Production Canals built Link major rivers

Cycles of Dynasties New Dynasty established Rule for a time Start to decline Collapse as new Dynasty takes over