1. Ancient China

2. Geography Physical environment and how it may influence an economy and culture.
The Huang He River (Yellow River) flows eastward for 2,900 miles. The yellow color is from crossing loess (deposits of yellow silt), and empties into the Yellow Sea.
Adaptation– China’s first farmers grew crops in the Huang He River Valley and North China Plain, near the Yellow Sea.
The Yangtze River flows 3,430 miles, starting in Tibet and emptying into the East China Sea.

3. Physical Geography of China
Notice the North China Plain (green area) area where the Yangtze and Yellow Rive pass through.

4. Geography
Western China is home to the Himalayas, the greatest mountain range in the world.
Central China holds the Gobi Desert which is surrounded by very dry grasslands.
Eastern China borders the Pacific Ocean.

5. Geography
Adaptation- The south has a warm, rainy, long growing season. Farmers used “terrace farming” to grow crops on hills.
Isolation-China’s mountains, deserts, and oceans isolate it from surrounding areas for trade.

6. The Shang Dynasty: 1766 —1122 BC
Leadership- The Shang Dynasty was ruled by a monarchy (rule by a royal family), and had many social classes of craftsmen.
Social Classes- Villagers used silkworms to make cloth and metal workers made weapons and tools out of bronze.
Many archaeological artifacts remain including marble, jade figurines, and bronze containers.

7. The Shang Dynasty
Achievements – During the Shang Dynasty, a writing system of pictographs and character symbols, similar to Egyptian hieroglyphics was developed.
Religion- A diviner was someone who spoke to the Gods, and was visited by Shang Kings often.

8. Longest ruling dynasty in Chinese history.
The Zhou Dynasty: 1122— 256 BC
Longest ruling dynasty in Chinese history.
Religion- They worship Tian, a god meaning “Heaven”.
King Wu defeated the Shang Dynasty in 1122 BC. He was believed to have a “Mandate from Heaven” which gave leaders the right to rule China.

9. The Zhou Dynasty
Feudalism Social Structure- Kings at top, then noble families, then peasant families. Kings provided land to nobles for military support. Peasants paid nobles for land use and lived hard lives of farming and serving in Zhou armies. The nobles in turn, helped protect the peasants from northern invaders and enemies.
The last 200 years of the dynasty is referred to as the Warring Kingdoms Period, where fighting took place between nobles and the Zhou (king).
Achievements- In 535 BC the Zheng king called for written laws, which were the first for China.

10. The Zhou Dynasty
Religious Philosophy - Confucianism was based upon teaching proper conduct. Confucius used short sayings to teach kindness, respect, and good behavior. He taught people to bring goodness to society through five different relationships: parent to child, ruler to subject, older brother to younger brother, husband to wife, and friend to friend.

11. The Qin (Chin) Dynasty, 221—206 BC
The small state of Qin grew to be the most powerful in China. “China” comes from “Qin”.
Leadership- Qin Shi Huangdi named himself “The First Emperor of China”
Achievements-It’s superiority was due to its iron weapons and horse-led army.

12. The Qin Dynasty
Eventually, Qin began to rule all of the northern states becoming China’s first empire.
Leadership-Shi Haungdi ruled using Legalism, a form of government that gave all power to one leader. He broke down the feudal system, giving noble’s land to peasants who then paid taxes directly to his government. Other laws enforced included only permitting members of his army to carry weapons and harsh punishments for criminals. Those who opposed Qin were sentences to death. Strict laws and harsh punishments were enforced so that people were afraid of doing wrong.
Achievements-Shi Huangdi unified China by creating weight units, measurements, and a writing system to be used by everyone.

13. The Qin Dynasty
Economy-He improved trade by standardizing coins and the width of roads.
The Great Wall was built at the northern border of China by Shi Huangdi’s empire. By ordering a wall to be built for protection against invaders that was 25 ft. high, 20 ft. wide, and over 3,000 miles long, the Great wall was created. Soldiers could keep watch along the wall against enemy attacks.
Shi Huangdi planned an extravagant tomb for himself, which included 7,000 life size soldiers made from terracotta (clay) that are armed with real weapons.

14. The Han Dynasty: 202 BC—220 AD
Leadership- Liu Bang became the King of Han. From a poor farming family, he became emperor with the respect of the peasant families.
The Han used teaching of Confucius to rule.
Leadership- Wu Di was known for forming large armies. He increased taxes to support the armies. A Civil Service was founded which took care of the “day-to-day” running of the government. Increased importance of education. Jobs in government are based on merit, not birthright.

15. The Han Dynasty
Religious Philosophy-Confucianism was made the official religion.
Achievements- 200 BC—China’s “Golden Age”, was filled with economic growth, success in war, and an increase in education, all benefiting the Han Empire. Artists flourished creating paintings, sculptures, and silk weavings.
Achievements- Han’s scientists also made the first seismograph, sundials, paper and water clocks.

16. Silk Road

17. The Han Dynasty
Economy- The Silk Road is 4,000 miles, covering Asia all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. It was used for trading silk for horses, spices, fruits, musical instruments, glass, and other items not found in China.
Religion-The Silk Road also helped spread Buddhism by monks traveling from India to China.