Culture of Early China Ping Yao City Hall Gate, Shanxi Province Qing dynasty Corner Tower, Forbidden City, Beijing

I. The Hwang Ho (Yellow River) 1. 3,000-2,500 BC 2. Agricultural lifestyle a. Water regulation dams a. Water regulation dams b. Irrigation canals b. Irrigation canals c. Rice cultivation c. Rice cultivation d. Wheat d. Wheat 3. Purpose of Government (role) a. Regulate agricultural production a. Regulate agricultural production b. Manage farmers who b. Manage farmers who produce enough food produce enough food for all people. for all people.

II. The Shang Dynasty 1. Northern China a. Hwang Ho (Yellow) River Valley a. Hwang Ho (Yellow) River Valley b. over 700 years b. over 700 years 2. Bronze weapons 3. Use of Calligraphy a. Written symbols a. Written symbols 3. Improved architecture 4. Ornate artwork

III. The Chang Dynasty 1. Increased trade 2. Use of currency 3. King = “Son of Heaven” 4. Incorporate concept of Revolution a. People have a right to a. People have a right to overthrow an unjust King overthrow an unjust King 5. Mastered Calligraphy

III. The Chang Dynasty continued… 6. Advanced Philosophy a. Standards of human conduct a. Standards of human conduct b. Explain natural world b. Explain natural world *Confucius -most influential Chinese Philosopher -most influential Chinese Philosopher Confucian Practice Confucian Practice 1. Respect Elders 1. Respect Elders 2. Self-Control 2. Self-Control 3. “Golden Rule” 3. “Golden Rule” “Treat others as “Treat others as you wish to be you wish to be treated…” treated…” -Famous texts -Famous texts 1. Analects 1. Analects 2. 5 Classics 2. 5 Classics

III. The Chang Dynasty continued… 6. Philosophy continued… *Lao Tzu -Founder of Taoism -Founder of Taoism -blend of Philosophy and Religion -blend of Philosophy and Religion Taoism in Practice Taoism in Practice 1. Be humble and kind 1. Be humble and kind 2. Live simply 2. Live simply 3. Don’t try to 3. Don’t try to change your life change your life 4. Follow “The Way” 4. Follow “The Way” or “Tao” or “Tao” -Meditation = -Meditation = Inner Peace Inner Peace Taoism's origins are obscure, and many of its practices go back to the shamanic traditions of China, but 'formal' Taoism started with a book called the Dao De Jing (The classic of the Way and Virtue), or the Lao Zi, after its author. This book was written around BCE, during the Warring States period, a time of great upheaval in China. Later Taoist sages wrote other books on Taoism, such as Zhuang Zi and Lie Zi, as well as treatise on alchemy and meditation but the Dao De Jing was the first and is still the most famous. Yin and Yang. Life is a balance of extremes. Without evil, there can be no good. Without darkness, there can be no light. Without sickness, there can be no health.