1. Classical Civilization:
China

2. Introduction
A. Kung Fuzi (Confucius) (551–478 B.C.E.)
wandering scholar
Analects – Confucian doctrine
B. Zhou Dynasty (1029–258 B.C.E.)
8th century B.C.E.
disruptions
nomadic invasions
rival kingdoms

4. Introduction C. Shi Huangdi Qin Dynasty (221–207 B.C.E.)
conquers Zhou Dynasty
Tyrant ruler
death leads to revolt
Han Dynasty (202 B.C.E.–220 C.E.)
Dao – ying & yang

6. Patterns in Classical China
Three cycles of classical China:
Zhou Dynasty
Qin “ “
Han “ “
A. Zhou (1029–258 B.C.E.)
Yangzi River valley settled
frequently invaded
"Middle Kingdom” – China’s core region
Mandate of Heaven – ruling by the approval of the gods
Confucius – wrote the Analects

7. Patterns in Classical China
Mandarin = standard language
Common currency was used to buy goods
Qin Dynasty (221–207 B.C.E.)
Shi Huangdi
Great Wall miles
Was built to keep invaders out
Innovations
census
standardized coinage, weights, measures
common writing system

9. Patterns in Classical China
C. Han Dynasty (202 B.C.E.–220 C.E.)
Expanded China into Korea, Indochina, central Asia
contact with India, Parthian Empire
Founded the most enduring bureaucracy
Short lived
Civil service exams implemented to ensure bureaucrats were educated and capable.
Wu Ti (140–87 B.C.E.)
support of Confucianism
Most famous Han ruler
Shrines built to promote worship

10. Political Institutions
A. Political traditions
patriarchal family (male dominated)
ancestor worship
centralized government
semi-autonomous (self-ruling) villages nobles
local authority
justice
local armies

11. Political Institutions
regional governors
bureaucracies
civil service exams
Schools
Rulers were divinely promoted
Military system
Judicial system
Students taking civil service exams

12. Religion & Culture Promoted harmony
Kung Fuzi aka Confucius (ca. 551–478 B.C.E.)
Zhou Dynasty
respect for superiors (fathers and husbands)
Obedience
leaders must show moderation
Rank/promotion based on intelligence, merit
Dominate values were secular (worldly) rather than religious
Analects - Confucian doctrine

13. Religion & Culture B. Legalism Qin & Han Dynasties
alternative to Confucianism
Pragmatic (practical)
support authoritarian state – army controlled people
belief in evil nature of humankind

14. Religion & Culture C. Daoism “the way of nature” more religious
Appealed to upper class (rich folks)
Laozi (5th century B.C.E. Zhou dynasty)
force of nature
ethical code
Priests

15. Religion & Culture D. Five Classics Chinese literature E. Art
Treaties, songs, poems, etc…
E. Art
Calligraphy
Jewelry
Pottery
Great Wall

17. Religion & Culture F. Science G. Math Developed 365.5 day calendar
Astronomy
Medicine & hygiene
G. Math
Order in nature
acoustics
Ancient Chinese Astronomy

19. Economy & Society A. Society Agricultural society (farming)
Gap between upper class (controlled land aka estates) & farmer peasants
Only wealthy upper class was literate (read and write)
Slavery diminishing – house slaves
Inherited social status

20. Economy & Society Three main social groups B. Trade
Landowning aristocracy, educated bureaucrats (mandarins)
Laboring Masses – peasants and artisians
“Mean” people – unskilled laborers, lowest status
B. Trade
luxury items – upper class
Silks
Jewelry
Leather
furniture

21. Economy & Society Food exchange Copper coins Silk Road Wheat Rice
Facilitated trade with merchants
Silk Road
Trade in Silk & Luxury products
India, Middle East, & Mediterranean societies desired Chinese silk
Mostly nomadic merchants traded & traveled

22. The Silk Road

24. Economy & Society Innovations Ox-drawn plows Iron mining
Pulleys & winding gear to pull minerals to the surface
Iron tools & lamps
Water-powered mills
Invented paper

25. Economy & Society D. Family Unity of family Patriarchy Hierarchy
Oldest son inherits property & position
“There are no wrongdoing parents” ~ Confucius
Could severely punish and kill kids w/o punishment
Control of emotions
Women subordinate except to younger women

26. How Chinese Civilization Fits Together
Chinese civilization coordinated many aspects of politics and culture with an emphasis on Confucianism
Emerged with little outside contact due to isolation
Viewed society as a whole rather than public v. private sectors
Collectivist society