Began during the Han Dynasty stretched halfway through Asia and linked East Asia with the Mediterranean World Used for over a thousand years

Caravans moved from desert sands to icy mountains China carried silk, jade, and bronzes westward in exchange for goods in India (including Buddhism), coins from Persia and glass from the Roman Empire Created the first known worldwide trading network.

Before the use of the Silk Road, how did geography affect early China? a) The mountains and deserts in western and southwestern China slowed the exchange of ideas. b) The northwestern region provided many fertile areas suitable for farming. c) The three major river systems provided barriers against invasion. d) The lack of deep-water ports on the eastern coast prevented China from developing trade with other nations.

The exchange of silks and spices and the spread of Buddhism along the Silk Roads are examples of a) cultural diffusion b) self-sufficiency c) ethnocentrism d) desertification

China following the Han → Following the fall of the Han Dynasty, China suffers through a period of disorder

Sui Dynasty ( AD) Reunites northern and southern China Strong central government

Sui Dynasty ( AD) Completed the Grand Canal Linked north to south Brought needed southern agriculture to northern cities

Sui Dynasty ( AD) There were harsh conditions building the Grand Canal and Great Wall Led to revolt and a new dynasty

Tang and Song Dynasties

The Tang Dynasties ( AD) Political and cultural sophistication Founded by Tang Taizong

Wu Zhoa Only woman to assume the title Empress Revived the civil service system of the Han Dynasty Era of heavy Buddhist Influence Traded with India, West Asia and Europe The silk road flourished

porcelain developed in late 700s bone-hard, white ceramic made of special clay became a valuable export

mechanical clock clock in which machinery, driven by running water, regulated the movements short lived invention

block printing printers carved words of a whole page into a large block spread to Japan and Korea

gunpowder made from a mixture of saltpeter, sulfur, and charcoal first used for fireworks, then weapons technology spread west within 30 years