Height of Greatness: Ch’in and Han Ancient China Origins: Shang Development: Chou Height of Greatness: Ch’in and Han Decline: Huns

Shang Dynasty (review) Bronze Age society c.1600-1100 B.C. first urban society in China Trade and commerce develop Chinese writing invented, bronze for tools, weapons, cups and trade goods. grew grains like millet and rice used silk and flax to make clothes capital was Anyang Oracles used animal bone cracks to advise on decisions and possible future events

The Chou Dynasty (review) (c. 1100-221 B.C.) Chou originated west of the Hwang Hu’s great river bend. Ruled as coordinators of regional (feudal) kingdoms rather than as a central govt. military force determined strength of rulers Conflict led to decline into the "Period of the Warring States" (403-221 B.C.). Vast majority of peasants lived on farms in family compounds Silk was their most important product Confucianism, Taoism, Legalism begin Hawk-shaped gold hat ornament (8th - 3rd century B.C.)‏

Classical Imperial China Qin Dynasty – China united by war and controlled by legalist ruler for 20 years Han Dynasty – Empire China ruled by Confuscian govt that brought freedom, prosperity, invention and trade to China

Qin (Ch’in) Dynasty 221-206 B.C.E. China is named after this dynasty (Ch’in = Qin = China) China was conquered and united by Shi Huangdi (221-206 B.C.E) China’s first emperor Short-lived but very significant. Book burnings (including Confucius!) Millions of peasants were forced to build the Great Wall along the northern border. China, from Qin, developed as the name outsiders used to refer to China. But the Chinese still refer to themselves as Han people.

Politics The Qin dynasty adopted Legalism. Effective but cruel laws Political opponents were imprisoned or executed. Increased the size and power of the govt bureaucracy censorate acted as spies on the govt officials Large and powerful military He extended the empire w/ ruthless military

Economy Abolished feudal estates standardized monetary system Empire owns land and all people standardized monetary system Improved and standardized road system. weights and measures were standardized Massive public building projects Great Wall of China Emperor’s tomb (terra cotta army)

Religion/Philosophy Legalism Emperor treated like a divine being Confucians and Taoists persecuted Ancestor worship common

Social Life Commoners made up over 90% of the population rarely left their village fathers' employment passed to eldest son Strict laws kept good order Military leaders were most important social class Often peasants treated like slaves for large building projects Women were treated as property

Intellectual Developments Books that opposed the official views were burned. Excellent bronze weapons Terra cotta army Great Wall

Qin walls were simple compared to future walls (note the tower in the distance)

Art Bronze work continued Clay for art and pottery

Archaeology is hard work