1. Grew up along the Huang-He “Yellow” river Prone to violent and unpredictable flooding Was the Yellow river more like the Tigris and Euphrates or the Nile? China

2. Long distances and physical barriers isolated China, blocking cultural diffusion Protected China from invasion Isolation contributed to the Chinese belief that China was the center of the earth and the only civilization, “Middle Kingdom” Impact of China’s Geography

3. The Xia- 2200-1800 B.C.E. Once thought to be mythical Kings closely linked to religion- performed rituals and sacrifices; spoke to gods on behalf of the people Irrigation and pottery Walled towns Early Dynasties

5. The Shang- 1700-1100 B.C.E. First system of writing in China (eventually, writing provides unity and a common cultural element for China) Crafted bronze- sign of status Had a class system (nobles, artisans, peasants, slaves) Horse-drawn chariots Strengthened govt.

7. Oracle bones – Integral to knowledge about the Shang – Priests would inscribe questions on an animal bone (usually turtle shell) – They would then heat the bone and interpret the resulting cracks Ancestor worship Gods controlled forces of nature and shaped human lives Shang religion

9. 1100 B.C.E.-500 C.E. Used the idea of the Mandate of Heaven to help give credibility to their govt. – Right to rule comes from the gods – Ruler is considered the “Son of Heaven” – Rulers should be wise and principled – Disasters, economic problems, and corruption were signs that the gods were displeased – Basis for the Dynastic Cycle The Zhou

11. Zhou contributed China’s earliest poetry (Book of Songs) Confucius- philosopher of the late Zhou era Established trade routes First coins Population increase

13. Three Philosophies Confucianism Legalism Daoism

14. Religion or Philosophy? Traditional Chinese beliefs are often mistakenly called religions and they are not… Confucianism, Legalism and Daoism are not religions They are philosophies (secular emphasis)

15. Confucianism

16. Teachings of Confucius China’s most influential scholar was Kongfuzi (551-479 BCE) concerned with: how to ensure social order good government. His teachings were collected in a work called the Analects Written by his students Confucianism began during the Zhou dynasty

17. Teachings of Confucius Confucius & The Analects His ideas included that everyone has duties and Responsibilities (reciprocal): Filial piety, or respect for parents, is the most important duty. A ruler has the responsibility to provide good government. In return, the people should be respectful and loyal subjects. Government leaders and officials should be well educated. Harmony is achieved when people accept their place in society. Education is essential Patriarchal – men dominant; women should be chaste

18. Did Confucianism adhere to a rigid or loose class structure? Was it possible to “promote” yourself in society or gain equality if you were in a subordinate position? i.e. a peasant, a woman?

19. Legalism People are evil Emphasized the importance of strict laws and harsh punishments Strong leader and central government Became official policy of Qin dynasty Hanfeizi

20. Daoism Founded by Lao Tzu (604- 517 BCE) Emphasized living in harmony with nature A direct reaction to the formalism of Confucianism: Daoism looked for the simple Confucianism more concerned with work ethic and proper conduct Laozi

21.  Both Confucianism and Daoism were based on Chinese traditions  Both were responses to problems in society (warring states period occurs soon after Confucius and Lao Tzu)  Of the Chinese philosophies, which has had the most widespread and long-term influence?  Japan?  Korea?

22. An old saying… Confucius has a sour look as he tastes the vinegar. Buddha has a bitter look as he tastes the vinegar. Laozi has a smile as he tastes the vinegar.

23. Yin and Yang The female is the yin (shady) – principle of passive, shaded, and reflective. (moon) The male is the yang (sunny) – principle of active, bright, and shining. (sun)

24. Early civilizations in Mesoamerica Olmecs- 1500 B.C.E. “Rubber people” Settlements began as religious centers Stone heads Foundation for other Mesoamerican cultures

25. The Chavin- built by community cooperation Irrigation systems, temples No central govt. Geographic barriers block trade South America

26. The Nazca Lines

32. 1. Killer Whale 2. Wing 3. Baby Condor 4. Bird 5. Animal 6. Spiral 7. Lizard 8. Tree 9. Hands 10. Spiral 11. Spider 12. Flower 13. Dog 14. Astronaut 15. Triangle 16. Whale 17. Trapazoids 18. Star 19. Pelican 20. Bird 21. Trapazoid 22. Hummingbird 23. Trapezoid 24. Monkey 25. Llama 26. Trapezoids