1. Shang Dynasty Dates of Existence:
BCE (reading) – 1101BCE (textbook)
Advanced Technology:
First to leave written records (writing system)
Calendar based on cycles of the moon
Achievements:
Bronze containers for cooking and religious ceremonies
Weapons (Axes,knives, bows, armor)
Ornaments made of jade
War chariots
chopsticks
Facts About Rulers/Government:
The rulers expanded the borders to include all of the land between Mongolia and the Pacific Ocean
Reason for Decline:
The Shang were overthrown in a rebellion with rebels from the western part of China in the 1100s. This marked the beginning of the Zhou Dynasty.

2. Zhou Dynasty Dates of Existence:
1027BCE – 256 BCE (map) BCE (textbook)
Advanced Technology:
They developed a feudal system where emperors gave land to nobles in exchange for loyalty and military service.
Iron tools and plows
Achievements:
Lasted longer than any other dynasty in Chinese history
Expanded China
Facts About Rulers/Government:
Claimed they had been chosen by heaven to rule China Mandate of Heaven.
Influenced by Confucianism, Taoism and Legalism 
Reason for Decline:
The political system broke down lords became less loyal. When invaders attacked in 771 BCE, many lords refused to fight and the emperor was overthrown. This time of disorder is known as the “Warring States” period.

3. Qin Dynasty Dates of Existence: Advanced Technology: Achievements:
221 – 206 BCE (map and textbook)
Advanced Technology:
Built huge networks of roads, bridges, and canals. To protect China from invasion, Shi built the Great Wall, a barrier that linked earlier walls that stood near China’s northern border.
Uniformed system of writing
Achievements:
Currency
Standardized writing and measurements
System of laws that would apply equally to all people
Terracotta army
Facts About Rulers/Government:
 King Shi Huangdi became “First Emperor” and was very strict/harsh. He ended the “Warring States” period and unified China. He refused to share power with anyone.
 Reason for Decline:
The rulers that followed Shi Huangdi were not as strong. A few years after his death, China began to break apart. Civil War

4. Han Dynasty Dates of Existence:
202 BCE – 220 AD (map) 205BCE – 220 AD (textbook)
Advanced Technology:
Invented paper
Sundial to tell time of day
Seismograph to measure earthquakes
Silk Road (for trade)
Achievements:
Fu and Shi style of poetry
Acupuncture to cure diseases and relieve pain
Works of history
Universities to teach Confucianism under Emperor Wudi
Facts About Rulers/Government:
Liu Bang, a peasant, became emperor because of belief in Mandate of Heaven. He was the first common person to become emperor. He freed people from harsh government and lowered taxes. He relied on educated officials to help him rule.
Reason for Decline:
The heads of government began to fight and caused the dynasty to collapse. This time of disorder is sometimes called “Period of Disunion.”