1. Height of Greatness: Ch’in and Han
Ancient China
Origins: Shang
Development: Chou
Height of Greatness: Ch’in and Han
Decline: Huns

3. Shang Dynasty (review) Bronze Age society c.1600-1100 B.C.
first urban society in China
Trade and commerce develop
Chinese writing invented,
bronze for tools, weapons, cups and trade goods.
grew grains like millet and rice
used silk and flax to make clothes
capital was Anyang
Oracles used animal bone cracks to advise on decisions and possible future events

5. The Chou Dynasty (review) (c. 1100-221 B.C.)
Chou originated west of the Hwang Hu’s great river bend.
Ruled as coordinators of regional (feudal) kingdoms rather than as a central govt.
military force determined strength of rulers
Conflict led to decline into the "Period of the Warring States" ( B.C.).
Vast majority of peasants lived on farms in family compounds
Silk was their most important product
Confucianism, Taoism, Legalism begin
Hawk-shaped gold hat ornament (8th - 3rd century B.C.)‏

6. Classical Imperial China
Qin Dynasty – China united by war and controlled by legalist ruler for 20 years
Han Dynasty – Empire China ruled by Confuscian govt that brought freedom, prosperity, invention and trade to China

8. Qin (Ch’in) Dynasty 221-206 B.C.E.
China is named after this dynasty (Ch’in = Qin = China)
China was conquered and united by Shi Huangdi ( B.C.E)
China’s first emperor
Short-lived but very significant.
Book burnings (including Confucius!)
Millions of peasants were forced to build the Great Wall along the northern border.
China, from Qin, developed as the name outsiders used to refer to China. But the Chinese still refer to themselves as Han people.

9. Politics The Qin dynasty adopted Legalism. Effective but cruel laws
Political opponents were imprisoned or executed.
Increased the size and power of the govt bureaucracy
censorate acted as spies on the govt officials
Large and powerful military
He extended the empire w/ ruthless military

10. Economy Abolished feudal estates standardized monetary system
Empire owns land and all people
standardized monetary system
Improved and standardized road system.
weights and measures were standardized
Massive public building projects
Great Wall of China
Emperor’s tomb (terra cotta army)

11. Religion/Philosophy Legalism Emperor treated like a divine being
Confucians and Taoists persecuted
Ancestor worship common

12. Social Life Commoners made up over 90% of the population
rarely left their village
fathers' employment passed to eldest son
Strict laws kept good order
Military leaders were most important social class
Often peasants treated like slaves for large building projects
Women were treated as property

13. Intellectual Developments
Books that opposed the official views were burned.
Excellent bronze weapons
Terra cotta army
Great Wall

14. Qin walls were simple compared to future walls (note the tower in the distance)

15. Art
Bronze work continued
Clay for art and pottery

16. Archaeology is hard work