1. River Valley Dynasties in China
S. McGlauthing

2. The Geography of China
Natural barriers isolated China from other ancient civilizations
Pacific Ocean
Himilayas
Deserts
Huang He (Yellow River) deposited dusty yellow silt when it floods. The silt is fertile soil called loess.

3. China’s Dynasties Xia Dynsaty – no written records not much known
Shang Dynsaty – first family of Chinese rulers to leave written records
Anyang (capital) – was made of wood
Surrounded their cities with walls
Social Classes – sharp divisions between
Nobles – owned land
Peasants – worked the land
Artisians made magnificant bronze weapons and vessels

4. Shang Dynasty Origins of Culture
Community and family more important than the individual
Male dominate (patriarchial)
Women treated inferior
Achievements:
Writing
Silk
Coined money
Cast iron

5. Chinese Dynasties Zhou Dynasty Overthrew the Shang
Large cities with roads and canals

6. Your Turn
On page 15 of your ISN you will create a illustrated dictionary. Terms can be found on pages 48-50
These are the terms you will illustrate:
Oracle bones
Mandate of Heaven
Dynastic Cycle
Feudalism