1. The same or different to “River Civilizations?”
China 2000 – 221 B.C.E
The same or different to “River Civilizations?”

2. River Civilizations
Think back to last week. With your partner, discuss the following questions:
What was the main purpose of writing?
To what extent was literacy widespread?
What characteristics defined belief systems?
What was the main purpose of social structures?

3. Geography

4. Shang Dynasty: 1750 – 1027 B.C.E Warrior Aristocracy
Nomads:attacked
periodically to gain booty, pride & POW
Royal family governed surrounding agric. areas
King & Court rule core area
of state directly.
Aristocrats = Generals,
Ambassadors,
supervise public projects
Native rulers swear allegiance to Shang
Nomads: despite Shang propaganda not “inferior”

5. Compare & Contrast
Is the Shang social structure so different to the River Valley Civilizations?

6. Shang belief systems King as intermediary Ancestor worship (male)
Sacrifices
Divination
Oracle Bones

7. Shang Administration Decentralized Construction of cities
Pictograms – formal writing, does not change over time
Bronze and metallurgy
Trade with Mesopotamia
Chariots
N vs. S – wheat and rice

8. Compare and Contrast
In regard to culture, what are the similarities and differences between the Shang and ancient Egypt? Explain.

9. Zhou: 11th – 9th Century BCE

10. Validation Myth Mandate from Heaven
Continue Shang traditions in Admin/Trade
Religion changes focus
Rise of philosophy and mysticism

11. Compare and Contrast
Compare and contrast the link between religion and government in Zhou China and Egypt.
The Zhou are characterized as separating Church and State. How is this statement true?

12. Zhou – After 800 BCE Eastern Zhou “Spring and Autumn Period”
– 771 to 481 BCE
Eastern Zhou
“Warring States Period”
- 480 – 221 BCE

13. Legalism
Increased competition lead to bureaucracy expanding - centralizing
State demanded obedience to fulfill needs of a more centralized government
Human nature is essentially wicked
People only behave if forced by law and punishment
Sacrifice your personal freedom for the state

14. Confucianism Kongzi – 551-479 BCE
“Ren” Government exists to serve people
Father
Ruler
Sons
Public Officials
Wife
Common People
Daughters

15. Daoism Laozi - Warring state period Accepts the world as they see it
Avoiding violence
Passivity; minimal action necessary for task
World always changing & lacks absolute meaning
Follow the Dao to right conduct

16. Societal Roles Change Impact of Legalism and Confucianism
Clan becomes 3 Tier family
Hierarchy codified
Role of Women
Yin and Yang
Balance, later translated to mean superiority

17. Question
Of the following statements which do you agree with more? Explain.
Ancient Chinese belief systems created social systems in Shang and Zhou China
Ancient Chinese belief systems were a reaction to the social systems at play in Shang and Zhou China
How important was the role of environment in the development of early Chinese civilizations?