Ancient China

Ancient China China comes late…  1,500 yrs after walls built in Ur  1,000 yrs after pyramids in Egypt  1,000 yrs after planned cities in the Indus Valley Late starter but strong through and through… the Chinese Empire began 3,500yrs ago and still exists today. The early rulers introduced ideas about government and society that shaped Chinese civilization.

Geography of China Good natural barriers East – Pacific Ocean West – Taklimakan Desert North – Gobi Desert South Himalaya Mts. Two Rivers Huang He Yangtze

Environmental Challenges China’s Heartland Farming took place between the rivers. Huang He aka Yellow River; deposits fertile yellow silt known as loess. Flood could be devastating Trade was impractical so they had to be self sufficient

Chinese Civilization Emerges Chinese civilization was late but people inhabited the area for 1.7 mil. yrs. Peking Man (Homo Erectus) 500,000 yrs old. Found in Beijing formally Peking. Some believe the remains may be as old as 750,000.

First Dynasty 1 st Dynasty No written records Legend has it that this was the era in which the Huang He River (Huang He) was tamed through flood control and irrigation projects, allowing settlements to grow and become civilizations. It is included in the traditional story of early Chinese history, however there is no concrete evidence that supports its existence. Xia

Shang 2 nd Dynasty 1532 – 1027 BC Social stratification = feudalism A sharp division between the classes. Basically two categories aristocracy (nobles) and peasants; the nobles managed the land and the peasants worked it. They would pay a large portion of what was grown to the nobles in return for the use of the land. Impressive cities constructed primarily constructed of wood. Anyang was a massive fortified city which demonstrates they must have had a system of public works and the ability to control a large work force. Nobles lived within the city walls and peasants lived outside the protection of the walls.

Zhou Dynasty The Zhou overthrew the Shang Longest dynasty in history; 800 yrs Bring the new idea that royal authority comes from the heavens Mandate of Heaven – a kind and benevolent ruler had divine approval, a wicked or unjust king could lose the Mandate of Heaven and as a result lose his kingdom. King was expected to rule in the correct or divine way; Dao Believed heaven kept order in the universe through the Zhou king King was the link between heaven and earth Kingdom was divided into territories and governed by officials; members of the aristocracy. The Zhou also coined money to facilitate trade. We talked briefly in regards to the barter system and how in order for it to work there has to be an “equal opportunity of want”. The introduction of iron weapons lead to the territorial expansion doubling in size.

Qin Dynasty The end of the Zhou dynasty brought what is referred to as the Warring Period which lasted until the Qin dynasty was later able to seize control (35yrs). This is the end of Ancient Chinese civilization with the emergence of Imperial China which will last until 1912.

Dynastic Cycle China is characterized by a succession of dynasties; the rise and fall is known as the dynastic cycle. 1 st Xix 2 nd Shang 3 rd Zhou, etc.

Feudalism Political system in which the nobles or lords are granted use of lands by their kings in return for loyalty and military service. Nobles managed the land Peasants worked the land

Chinese Culture Group is more important than the individual. Family is central to Chinese society Respect for parents and elders is the most important virtue; they are honored and respected for their wisdom and knowledge. Elders always live with children and looked after with great care. Men were the head of the household (patriarchal) making all decisions regarding his family. Women were seen as inferior and were to obey fathers, husband then sons. Clear cut gender roles Marriage was arranged yrs. old Status was improved in wife could bare sons; sons were more desirable because they could work which would help provide for the family.

Religious Beliefs In Chinese culture there is a strong connection between family and religion. Ancestral worship was the center of their religion. Ancestors are held in high accord and worshiped as part of their religious belief system. Ancestors are seen as a direct link to the gods (polytheistic) and can intervene on the behalf of the living. The consulted the spirits through the use of Oracle bones. Offerings of food and wine are made to the ancestors to gain their loyalty and support and ensure good luck. Families well being is in the hands of the ancestors. Important to have lots of children to ensure you were taken care of in the afterlife when you become and ancestor.

Early Written Language First examples of writing appear on oracle bones. Oracle bone were used to consult the gods. Questions for the gods were carved and then a hot poker was applied causing it to crack. The cracks were interpreted by priests.

The Chinese written language as we know it is the longest continually used written form of language in the world. The characters stand for ideas which means they number in the tens of thousands. Barley literate = 1000 characters To be functionally = characters. To be considered a scholar you know at 10,000 characters.

Technology and Trade Roads and canals to supply growing cities. Coined money to facilitate trade. Use of Iron / blast furnaces for cast iron. New weapons such as crossbow Iron stronger than bronze = better tools i.e. daggers swords etc…