1. Ancient Chinese Dynasties

2. Shang – 1600 – 1046 BCE Rise to power:
Led rebellion to overthrow Xia ruler thanks to the use of Infantry!

3. Shang – 1600 – 1046 BCE Achievements: Bronze weapons Glazed pottery
Writing system – on Oracle bones
Astronomy – correct year length
Permanent Settlements
Irrigation system
Ancestor worship

4. Shang – 1600 – 1046 BCE
Decline: Shang rulers were very cruel – people started rebelling – Zhou overtakes Shang-

5. Zhou – 1046 BCE-256 BCE Achievements:
Iron age – iron tipped plow helped with growing more crops
Mandate to Heaven

6. Zhou – 1046 BCE-256 BCE
Decline: General disarray of dynasty allowed Qin to overthrow to take over

7. Qin Dynasty – 221 BCE to 207 BCE
Rise to power:
Grew powerful during Zhou Dynasty – very strict and made people obey them. Zhou was also getting weaker. Qin became powerful enough to overthrow Zhou

8. Achievements:
Created standard for Chinese writing and currency
Network of roads & canals
Great Wall of China

9. Qin Dynasty – 221 BCE to 207 BCE
Decline: Their only emperor died – who was also a bit crazy – probably due to all the mercury the doctors gave him – terra cotta soldiers guarded him for heaven’s sake – and then the China fell into chaos. . .

10. Han Dynasty 428 BCE – 220 CE
Rise to power – seized control after Qin emperor died

11. Han Dynasty 428 BCE – 220 CE MORE glazed pottery Stirrups
Achievements: referred to as greatest period in Chinese history
Steel
Armor for horses
Create paper
Acupuncture
Seismograph
Hot air balloons
Wheel barrow
MORE glazed pottery
Stirrups
Weaved clothing
Civil Service Exam!

12. Han Dynasty 428 BCE – 220 CE
Decline: Revolt of lower class due to high taxes – split into 3 kingdoms