1. Ancient China

2. The 4 Old-World River Valley Cultures

3. Early China
The Chinese lived in isolation from the rest of the world
Middle Kingdom
Less break between RVC and Classical in China
WHY?

4. Geography
3 Major rivers
Huang He (Yellow River)
Yangtze
Xi Jiang

5. Geography
Developed along the Huang He (Yellow River)
WHY???
Flooding

6. Partner Discussion
Given what we have learned with the previous three RVCs, what might you conclude the Yellow River’s flooding led the Chinese to do?

7. Irrigation Systems

8. Four Thousand Years of Civilization
Chinese civilization
Many Technologies

9. Dynasties
Dynasties
Definition
Dynastic Cycle
Pattern

10. Shang Rule: c.1500 – 1100 B.C.E.
The Shang Dynasty (1500 to 1100 B.C.E. )
Thirty kings

11. Shang Religion The Shang were polytheistic Ancestor Veneration
Significance
Harmonious Connection Between Humans and Nature

12. The Zhou Dynasty c.1046–256 B.C.E Overthrow of the Shang 1046 B.C.E.
Claim Mandate of Heaven
What is this???

13. Mandate of Heaven
Definition
Importance

14. Zhou Expansion
The Zhou set up…
This led to…

15. Zhou Regional Rulers Ruled by regional rulers Peasants… Feudal…
Who were they?
Peasants…
Feudal…

16. Noblemen Grew in Power
This form of government…
However…
Why??

17. Discussion Question
What do you suspect the increased power of the regional rulers meant for the Zhou Dynasty?

18. Warring States Zhou fight a rebellion in 771 B.C.E Competing interests
Result
Competing interests

19. Science and Technology
By about 2000 B.C.E
Tools
Well Developed…
Military Technology:
Horses
Fortifications

20. Science and Technology
Advanced astronomy
Lack monumental building
Why???
Some tombs

21. The Beginning of writing in China…

22. eventuallydeveloped into…
Pictographs
Sun Moon Water
eventuallydeveloped into…

23. Ideographs
Developed into…

24. Modern Chinese characters Calligraphy ~ artistic writing

25. Trade and Interaction Overland Trade Contact with Nomadic peoples
Northwest
Effect:
Positive
Negative