DO NOW What happens to the Shang Dynasty after ruling China for 600 years? Who wins control and what does he call himself? How long does the emperor believe his empire will last?
How does Emperor Qin win control? Geography Protected by Qinling Mountains and Huang River on both sides Soldiers could march out and expand empire from both sides
Emperor Shihuangdi Single System of Government Divides empire into 36 provinces Let farmers own land weaken power of nobles Forced nobles to move to Xianyang Took away their bronze weapons Burnt many books about government Single System of Writing Used writing system to report to capital Record and collect taxes Single System of Money Coins made out of bronze Holes in coins people kept on string
Farmers = Backbone of Empire Build highways that linked cities of empire Build Great Wall of China to keep out people from northern steppes
1500 Miles Long during Qin Dynasty Built to Keep out invaders from the North (Xiongnu) Total 5500 Miles Long
Longest human construction in the world Only human construction that can be seen from space
Model of Shihuangdi’s Tomb
Shihuangdi’s Tomb Life-size wetland uncovered Shihuangdi feared death looking for right potion Took pills of Mercury – may have killed him at age 39 Crossbows at entrance / Poisonous Mercury / Respect for Elders Not equipped with technology or tools to properly excavate yet Workers died with him craftsmen, prisoners, debt payers Gem studded palace Bronze coffin mound not excavated up to Chinese government Heaven and earth ceilings Sun, moon and stars made of pearls Life-size wetland uncovered 40 bronze aquatic birds, cranes and swans
Qin Dynasty Review 1. How long did the Qin Dynasty last. 2 Qin Dynasty Review 1. How long did the Qin Dynasty last? 2. How did Shihuangdi unify China? 3. How did Shihuangdi limit the power of the nobles? 4. Who did Shihuangdi consider the “backbone” of the empire? 5. What two GEOGRAPHICAL features protected the Qin Dynasty? 6. Why was the Great Wall of China originally built?