1. Literature of Ancient China

2. Historical Highlights (422-23)
Shang (Shäng)– group of warrior-nobles led by a king. Loved hunting and battle.
Series of dynasties
Silk
Bronze-working
Left written records

3. History, cont. Chou (Jō)– group that overthrew the Shang
Longest dynasty in Chinese history
Feudalism – lords controlled different regions of the country. These lords worked under the king.

4. History, cont. Chi’in (chĭn) – defeated Chou dynasty
1st Emperor established centralized government
Great Wall – peasants were forced to build it

5. History, cont. Han (Hän)– came into power after Ch’in
Former Han Period - Silk Roads, improvements in culture, technology, arts, and literature
Later Han Period – Buddhism spreads from India to China.

6. History, cont. T’Ang (Täng) -golden age (in poetry and painting)
-Empress Wu – female ruler during this time.

7. History, Cont. Sung (sŏŏng) dynasty
Education, literature, calligraphy, and painting thrived.
Inventions included: paper money, movable type, and the magnetic compass.
Fell to the Mongols in 1279

8. People and society Rulers Emperor
Central figure of authority in ancient China

9. People and society, cont.
Peasants
Farmers provide food for empire
Ranked just below ruling class, but they had very little.
Military/labor

10. People and society, cont.
Artisans
Craftsmen made everyday necessities as well a number of luxury items.

11. People and society, cont.
Merchants – sold artisans’ goods
Strictly controlled by the government
Growth of trade
They couldn’t own land and paid heavy taxes

12. People and society, cont.
Servants and slaves
Regarded as inferior – not worthy to have their own class
Could not take civil service exam

13. Servants and slaves Women were subservient to men
Binding of feet – prevented feet from growing.
Unsuitable for manual labor

14. Arts and Culture Philosophy and religion Confucianism Taoism Buddhism
Importance of relationships
Taoism
The universal force
Buddhism
Detachment from earthly life (spirituality)

15. Arts and Culture, cont. Literature Li Po Tu Fu
These two are the most well known poets of the time.

16. Arts and Culture The Arts Terra-cotta figures Calligraphy
Invention of paper

17. Connect to Today (pp. 430-31) Eating and drinking Philosophy Medicine
Porcelain
tea
Philosophy
Lao-tzu
Medicine
Acupuncture
Herbal medicine
Entertainment
Kite
Yo-yo
Cards
fireworks
Inventions
Wheelbarrow
Collar harness
Matches
Clock
Type
compass

18. Here endeth the lesson