Unit 1: From Pre-History to Early Civilizations Chapter 4: Ancient China

Section I: Early Civilizations in China (Pages 72-79) This section is about: How China’s geography (mountain barriers and rivers) influenced the development of civilization while also isolating it from outside influences. Life in China during the Shang Dynasty. How different social classes developed in China. 1 2 3

Geography is very important in the civilizations of China. China has many different physical features, and climates. Let’s look at the stanza from a poem on page 72 Would this be a “primary source” or “secondary source”?

One thing that made China different than most places is: it can be hard to get into. 5 4

7000 BC 4000 BC-1000 BC 6 An agricultural revolution took place. Rich soils from yearly monsoons and flooding rivers gave them plenty of water. They also developed new and better farming tools. In the Huang He (Yellow River valley) farmers grew rice and other grains and raised sheep and cattle. These farmers and the people in these villages worked well together to dig canals and build flood walls. The first farming communities arose in China. They had soil rich in loess – a fine grained soil that’s easy to work in and is rich in minerals (very fertile). 6

The Shang built China’s first dynasty (about 1750 BC – 1000 BC) At this time, a number of clans (extended families) formed a loosely knit group. Archeologists have found remains of some of their walled cities – complete with palaces and tombs. The King usually had a prince or noble to help him keep control in far away areas. Shang armies used chariots and bronze weapons against their enemies.

Religious beliefs were very important to the ancient Chinese One of their beliefs: ancestor worship They buried dead relatives with food and drink (they wanted them to bring them good fortune). And – showing respect to people who’ve come before you is important in a lot of Asian cultures. The Shang also believed these dead ancestors had a close link with a powerful god. They also “read” oracle bones. a person, place or thing that a god uses to revel hidden knowledge

The Shang were also the first Chinese writers 7 The writing on the oracle bones (from tombs) are thought to be some of the earliest Chinese writing. At the time, though: language and writing wasn’t the same throughout China. 9 8

Shang social classes: The King was the warrior / leader and lived in a palace. Right below them were warrior nobles (some of which controlled their own territories) Most Shang were peasant farmers… …who lived in huts with dirt floors, worked long hours, used simple stone and wood tools, and were ordered to fight if a war broke out.

Shang artisans and merchants Had no official rank. They were pretty much around to create things and sell them to the nobles (peasants didn’t need their products). A lot of things we find from this time are made of bronze (it was “the Bronze Age”).

Shang women… Took directions from their husbands and cared for their children. Once in a while they’d be given a few rights though – and were probably better off than women in some other areas of the world at that time.

Sericulture (silk farming) Women were completely responsible for silk production. For centuries, Chinese silk was the most prized and expensive fabric in the world (only wealthy people could afford it). An ancient Chinese saying: “Men plough and women weave.”

One tomb from this era: Lady Hao’s Tomb Lady Hao was married to a Shang king. This is only Chinese tomb we know of to have never been robbed. Altogether Fu Hao's tomb contained: 468 bronze objects including 130 weapons, 23 bells, 27 knives, 4 mirrors, and 4 tigers or tiger heads 755 jade objects 63 stone objects 5 ivory objects 564 bone objects including nearly 500 bone hairpins and over 20 bone arrowheads 11 pottery objects 6,900 pieces of cowry shell

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Section II: The Zhou, Qin, and Han Dynasties (Pages 80-84) This section is about: The Rise and fall of the Zhou, Qin, and Han Dynasties and the major contributions of each. The social and cultural consequences of the rule of dynasties in China.

Read the “sequence of events” on page 80 (we’ll do that in a while) And – what’s the picture of on page 81?

The Early Zhou When the Shang Dynasty was starting to decline, The Zhou started becoming more powerful. Eventually their leader (Wu Wang) attacked and overthrew a cruel Shang king. They said they had a reason for doing this ………..

They said they had earned the approval of a “higher power”… …who had given the king authority to rule. This approval was called “the Mandate of Heaven.” They claimed the Mandate of Heaven had passed from the Shang rulers to them because they were “kind and truthful.”

Chinese scholars studied the idea of the Mandate of Heaven. 1 To explain the reason why dynasties rise and fall they came up with “the dynastic cycle.” A kind and truthful dynasty gains control The new dynasty provides a good, successful government This wins the approval of the gods A new group challenges their authority and overthrows the old government The dynasty neglects it’s duties and loses control Violent events (earthquakes, and floods) signal heaven’s displeasure

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The Zhou Dynasty Organized by social class – and land ownership. This started when Wu Wang gave land to his noble lords, relatives, and generals. The lords appointed officers to run the daily affairs of his territory. Peasants lived on and farmed the lands. The lords governed in the name of the king, but were also expected to collect taxes (and give the king his fair share of those). If a war broke out, the nobles organized armies to defend the king.

The Zhou Period was a good time for China Farming was profitable. Better irrigation methods. The Zhou developed blast furnaces – allowing them to make cast iron. Iron is harder and stronger than bronze – giving them better farm tools and weapons. So that meant – more art and trade. The Zhou started using bronze coins – different shapes than we’re used to though.

And if things are going good – you also have time to read 3 At first, only the rich could read/write. But if merchants are going to trade, they also have to be able to read/write. Education became more important and tutors taught young men for “government service.” This is a period where a lot of ancient Chinese classics were written.

Eventually the Zhou Dynasty lost it’s power People from outlying areas became more powerful. The wars among these different groups (all from China) started some civil wars. By 300 BC, only 7 Zhou territories were left. The were ready to be taken over completely by… People fighting others from the same country

The Qin Dynasty (founded by Zheng) Zheng kept more power to himself and called himself: “First Qin Emperor” He was determined to re-unite China. He also had a different philosophy: the role of government was to meet the needs of the nation – not the people. This is called authoritarian – when a ruler has complete and total power. 4

Zheng did some good and some bad things 5 He didn’t favor the nobles with special privileges All citizens (not just peasants) paid taxes to support his projects and armies. He had strict laws (and enforced them – with strict punishments) If you disagreed with him, you could be tortured or killed. He burned all books (didn’t want people learning anything) (some books were hidden and saved) United China again. Introduced new coins and set up a system of weights and measures. Repaired roads and extended canals. Gave thousands jobs – forced them to build his tomb of underground chambers and terra cotta soldiers.

The Zhou had built some walls in China (to keep out invaders) The Qin joined these together into a “great wall” But, in doing so, workers were forced to work under horrible conditions. Many died. It took centuries until it was complete and completely connected.

The Terra Cotta Soldiers The significance of the army of Terra Cotta soldiers began 2,200 years ago with the conquest of all Chinese states which made a king (Qin) into the first emperor of the newly unified nation.  It took an army of 700,000 craftsman laboring for 37 years to produce the massive army.  The purpose of the army was to provide service to the emperor in the afterlife.  They were buried with the Emperor Qin at the time of his death. When they were found, time had taken it’s toll and the figures were broken pieces of terra cotta.  Each figure had to be meticulously repaired.  This repair process continues today.  Apparently, Qin ordered no two faces be alike, suggesting that each terra cotta warrior is an actual replica modeled after a solder from the real army.  The warriors vary in height according to their role, the tallest being the generals.  The figures include warriors, chariots, horses, officials, acrobats, strongmen and musicians.  All wooden parts of the chariots have decayed, but jewels, gold and silver decorations remained.  Even the horses’ bridles were made of silver and gold and were encrusted with jade and jewels. 

The Qin dynasty didn’t last long (first emperor ruled for 11 years) The next – Gaozu (The Han Dynasty) – was a nicer leader. China found peace, prosperity, and stability Built new roads and canals Opened up a new trade route (later called “the Silk Road”) Began to trade and export products such as silk – even traded as far away as Rome. 6 7 8 9

Since trade and government was becoming more complex… Han rulers created a civil service – where citizen employees managed the government and kept it’s records. To be a civil servant, you had to be educated, so schools were created for these candidates (had to pass a test to become a civil servant). Women were not allowed to take the tests.

The Han Dynasty: a time of great advancement in technology and the arts Silk factories became more efficient. Paper making improved (we still use their method today). The wheelbarrow and a better plow were invented. The arts flourished – including silk tapestries. Magnificent temples and palaces were built. The Han Dynasty ended up becoming about as big as the U.S. is today. It lasted until about 220 AD (invaded and conquered – another cycle) 10

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Section III: Religions and Beliefs in Ancient China (Pages 85-89) This section is about: The main ideas of Confucianism, Daoism, Legalism, and Buddhism. How these ideas influenced the cultural, social order, government, and religion of ancient China.

Confucianism Daoism Legalism These three Chinese religions have some similarities and some differences

A remarkable philosopher appeared during the Zhou Dynasty (born in 551 BC) His Chinese name: Kong Qiu His western name: Confucius Even as a child, he worked hard at his education. As he grew older, he became worried about the conditions in China. He went looking for a king who knew about good government. But: all he found were government people who were greedy and dishonest (all they cared about was themselves). He tried to change the way people behaved.

Confucius was a philosopher who…… (Person who thinks about the meanings of things) … was an honest man of great learning He felt the early Zhou rulers were good and had run the country with harmony and responsibility. He believed: A ruler should lead by good example. People had an obligation to obey those who were superior. But those who were superior should treat others fairly. Every man should try to be a gentleman (educated, good manners, and understood ritual and ceremony, and what is moral).

Confucius had 5 relationships which ruled society: 1 2 Between father and son. Between older and younger brother. Between husband and wife Between ruler and subject. Between friend and friend. As long as these relationships were in harmony, society would be in harmony. One of his important rules: “What you do not wish for yourself, do not unto others.”

Confucius was a great and inspiring teacher Even though we don’t know if what he said/did was written down, many scholars (bright students) learned a lot from him. Later, they did record his beliefs and teachings – called the Analects. Later on – the Analects were considered “sacred” with students studying and memorizing his sayings. Men trained in his beliefs ended up becoming leaders. They even set up schools to learn the teachings of Confucius.

By the third century BC: A new set of beliefs came along: (Daoism or Taoism) Confucianism: order, ritual, working hard to make the government efficient Daoism: Rulers should do as little as possible and leave everyone alone.

The Laozi (The Classic of the Way and It’s Power) Contains the beliefs of Daoism. The Dao is the energy that controls all of the events in the universe. The natural order depends on the interaction of yin and yang. Yin: negative force / dark and weak. Yang: positive, bright, and strong. These need to work together to keep balance in the universe – even if that means spending all your time meditating on nature and forgetting about worldly matters. 3 4

Daoism influenced all the countries around China (Japan, Korea, and alter even Europe and North America) Daoism stresses immortality (living forever). It’s emphasis on nature inspired writers, artists, and architects. The science of the religion also allowed Daoists to study astronomy, medicine, and personal hygiene.

Legalism and Buddhism 5 Xunzi was a student of Confucius, but had different beliefs about nature and government. He believed laws could inspire people to use good behavior. His ideas were called Legalism because they were based on laws (with strict laws and harsh punishments for doing wrong). He believed people were like little children who couldn’t be trusted – so they need rules and laws.

6 Legalism and the Qin 7 During this period, the Legalists created a strong government. Land was divided up into states – all run by the government. People could not travel without permits. They were heavily taxed. They were required to work on government projects for no pay. Families were grouped together and everyone was responsible for any crimes committed by its members. 8

Buddhism ended up spreading to China because of the trade along the Silk Road. People didn’t follow it at first (it was a foreign religion), but started liking that… …it promised freedom from suffering. Buddhist temples started being built. People started giving them lots of money. They believed this generosity would give them good Karma and good fortune in their next life. 9

Confucianists and Daoists didn’t like Buddhists They didn’t agree with Buddhist ideas of cremation. They believed it was wrong for monks to not get married and have children. Buddhist monks paid no taxes. But all three religions ended up lasting and are even still around today.

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Section IV: Ancient Chinese Life and Culture (Pages 90-93) This section is about: The importance of the family in Chinese society – and the preference to have sons over daughters. The agrarian-based economy of ancient China. The difficult lives of peasants in China and the advances in technology and culture.

Lets look at the main ideas on page 90. Also. How about the left hand side – “Then and Now”: Women in China. What do Xi Shi, Wang Zhaojun, Diao Chan and Yang Guifei have in common? They are ancient Chinese women highly regarded for their beauty. Legend has it, in fact, they are ancient China's four most beautiful women, and among the nation's most significant historical figures

Chinese families: 1 2 Children must obey their parents. Wives must obey their husbands. Young people must obey and respect older people. That’s what their religion and beliefs insisted upon.

Children 3 4 Were the reason for the family. Raising children was very important. Children ended up becoming farmers and soldiers. Boys are more important than girls. They were stronger and could work longer in the fields. They could perform family ceremonies that honored ancestors. In hard times, baby girls might even be left to… (you might not want to know) Girls are also a financial burden. If they were to get married, their family often had to pay a dowry to the grooms family.

Women 5 Were inferior to men – so we don’t know much about them (no-one even wrote about them). Even when women did something, they were thought of as lower than men. Women were supposed to keep in their place. Let’s read on page 91 (in the quotation marks).

Ten Signs of Beauty in Ancient China   Concepts of beauty have changed throughout the various periods of China's history, but the following 10 characteristics have continuously been considered signs of beauty: 1. Lustrous black hair; 2. Hair loosely coiled on the head to create the appearance of greater height; 3. Finely shaped black eyebrows. During the Tang Dynasty, many women shaved their eyebrows, and then drew eyebrows with pigment; 4. Large, bright and expressive eyes; 5. Red lips and white teeth. In addition to beauty, this was considered a sign of good health; 6. Graceful fingers and arms. A pretty woman was expected to have well-shaped hands, with slim, soft fingers, and fair, fleshy arms; 7. Slender waist and fair skin. Throughout history, women have wanted a willowy figure; 8. Tiny feet and a light, elegant gait; 9. Dressing according to complexion, figure and disposition; and 10. A fragrant body. It's said a concubine of Qing Emperor Qian Long (1711-1799) gave off a natural fragrance.

Farming and Trade In the Zhou period, farmland was divided up into a well-field system. Large areas of land were divided up into 9 parts – 8 for individuals and the 9th for the noble landowner (farmed by all).

Chinese peasants were very poor Two meals a day. Floods and droughts. Still had to pay taxes (sold crops to make money – or borrowed). Some were forced to sell everything they had – including their ____________. children

They had an agrarian economy This meant the depended on agriculture. It’s nice to have food, but that’s not the best way to live. China has had periods of bad weather for a long time. When they do, people die (droughts and starvation, floods and death). And, they divided up the land poorly – dividing it up among sons until…

Merchants and Trade You’d think if you were a businessman, being hardworking and clever would be good. In China it wasn’t. Merchants were thought of as even lower class than farmers and peasants. Confucius said profit wasn’t important – and businessmen want to make a profit. Other countries like Chinese Merchants better than the Chinese liked their own merchants (silk, lacquer-ware, coins, etc…). 6

Advances in Technology: 7 Large scale flood control systems. Processes for making bronze, silk, and fine porcelain were perfected. Making cast iron was developed. Better farm tools and equipment. Paper was invented. Excellent geographers and astronomers. Wrote Algebra and Geometry books.

Some of the world’s first medicine Relied on observation and careful study. Had to pass a test to practice medicine. Books were written on surgery and the use of drugs. Began to use acupuncture. 8

And… Literacy and Literature Only the upper class went to school. Considered the ability to read as important. Had a written language as far back as 4500 BC. 9

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