Dynasties of China

Bell Ringer 2/27 Write on clean sheet of paper We often glorify the positive exchanges along the Silk Road, but can you think of a possible negative impact of global trade on society in both the ancient or modern world?

SHANG DYNASTY

WHEN WAS IT? 1600-1046 BCE

How did the Shang Dynasty Begin? Defeated Xia overlords Implemented an infantry Used both bronze and stone weapons

Inventions, Achievements & Discoveries Bronze weapons, tools, ships Intricate writing system Correctly determined a year was 365 ¼ days Complex irrigation allowed civilization to begin Oracle bones

Bronze Ax Head

The Fall of the Shang Dynasty Very oppressive government With little support, the Zhou dynasty easily took power.

ZHOU DYNASTY

WHEN WAS IT? 1046 BCE – 256 BCE

How did the Zhou Dynasty Begin? Shang Dynasty was crumbling Zhou easily were able to defeat them Zhou kings were military leaders that often lead their men into battle

Inventions, Achievements and Discoveries Iron Age enters China around 600 BCE Compass Kite First Geographical Maps Fertilizer Herbal Pesticides

Mandate of Heaven

Chinese Philosophies Confucianism Daoism Legalism

Fall of Zhou Dynasty Strong Legalist Government of the Qin state Qin state became more powerful than the Zhou Crossbows and iron arrows were too advanced to defend

THE QIN DYNASTY

WHEN WAS IT? 221 BCE – 207 BCE

The Rise of the Qin Dynasty Followed Hanfeizi’s Legalist teachings Very harsh punishments and did not make exceptions for any one While cruel, Emperor Qin brought stability to an area that had turned dysfunctional under Zhou rule

Emperor Qin (A.K.A. Big Sexy)

Inventions, Achievements, and Discoveries Iron swords, daggers, armors, helmets, and arrows Chinese writing and currency for all the people Extensive system of roads and canals

Oh yeah and the Great Wall

Great Wall of China Section built during this time is NOT the wall we associate with it today Built to provide protection from invading Mongols to the North Took nine years and over a million workers

Fall of the Qin Dynasty When Qin died so did the Empire Even though he united China, people hated the guy Mercury tablets prescribed to allow him to become immortal had a much different effect…DEATH! They also made him insane Upon his death China was thrown into chaos

THE HAN DYNASTY

WHEN WAS IT? 206 BCE – 220 CE

Rise of the Han Dynasty China was up for grabs after the death of the Emperor Qin Two leaders within the Han (Liu Bang and Xiang Yu) fought to seize control Liu Bang (also referred to as Emperor Gauzo) came out on top at the Battle of Gaixia.

Inventions, Achievements, and Discoveries Experimented with steel More advanced crossbows One of the first forms of paper made from bark, hemp, and wheat stalks Acupuncture An early seismograph Hot air balloon Wheelbarrow

Confucianism based Government Before important positions were simply handed down to family If the person stunk at their job the government stunk Following Confucianism, only people who were highly qualified received the positions.

Early “Hot Air” Balloon

First Seismograph

Oh yeah this is when the Silk Road occurred!

Fall of the Han Dynasty Wealthy landowners skipped on paying taxes which led to the lower classes being burdened with high taxes The people would revolt! The empire would be broken into 3 sections “Three Kingdom” Age begins (60 years) Bloodiest era in Chinese history