1.
© Students of History -

2. Civilization grows along the Huang He (Yellow) River
Fine soil carried in the river called loess gives it a yellow color
Dikes built to keep river from overflowing

3. Isolated by natural barriers – mountains, deserts
Led to belief that China was the sole source of civilization
Little contact with traders and invaders

5. Dynasties ruled by families
From about – 1027 BC
Dynasties ruled by families
Kings ruled a small area, loyal family clans held the rest

6. Shang Di was the Supreme Deity
Gods will not respond to mere mortals
Ancestor worship involved rituals and sacrifices to speak to the Gods

7. The Yin & Yang symbolize the balance of two forces
Yin = Earth, darkness, female, cool, wet
Yang = Heaven, light, male, warm, dry

8. Oldest examples found on oracle bones
Over 10,000 pictograph & ideograph characters
Developed into calligraphy
A single writing system helped unite China

9. The royal family & nobles control society
Artisans and merchants represent the middle class
Most of the population are peasant farmers

10. Copper coins used
Expanding trade routes
Develop silk thread from cocoons of silkworms
Silk becomes a valuable export