1. Ancient China (Ch. 20-1) Early Chinese history was shaped by three dynasties—the Shang, the Zhou, and the Qin.

2. Main Ideas Chinese civilization began along two rivers. The Shang dynasty was the first known dynasty to rule China. The Zhou and Qin dynasties changed Chinese society and made great advances.

3. Chinese civilization began along two rivers. Two rivers were particularly important in early China—the Huang He and Chang Jiang. People began to farm along these rivers. –Grew rice in the middle Chang Jiang valley –Grew cereals such as millet and wheat along the Huang He Villages appeared along the shores of the rivers, and eventually, grew into large towns. China’s government was born in these large towns.

4. The Shang dynasty was the first known dynasty to rule China. History of the Shang dynasty Firmly established by the 1500s BC Ruled a broad area of northern China Ruled in China until the 1100s BC

5. Achievements of the Shang dynasty Invented China’s first writing system Artisans made beautiful bronze containers for cooking and religious ceremonies. Soldiers developed war chariots, powerful bows, and bronze armor. Invented a calendar based on the cycles of the moon

6. The Zhou and Qin dynasties changed Chinese society and made great advances. Zhou dynasty Started a rebellion and overthrew the Shang rulers in the 1100s BC Ended around 771 BC and China entered a time of disorder known as the Warring States period

7. The Zhou and Qin dynasties changed Chinese society and made great advances. Cont. Qin dynasty In 221 BC, a king from the state of Qin unified all of China under his control and ended the Warring States period. The Qin dynasty saw many great advances in China.

8. Qin Achievements Shi Huangdi worked hard to make sure that people from the different areas in China acted and thought the same. – Created a system of laws that would apply equally to people in all parts of China – Set up a new system of money that eliminated local currencies Created a uniform system of writing that got rid of minor differences between regions

9. Qin Achievements Cont. The Qin were great builders, and China built a huge network of roads and canals. To protect China from invasion, Shi Huangdi built the Great Wall, a barrier that linked earlier walls that stood near China’s border.