1. Geography and Early Civilizations in China

3.  Covered a large area of Asia  The climate, soil, landforms, and waterways varied greatly depending on the region

4. North/ East ChinaSouthern China  Surrounded by highlands  Have a brief, intense summer rainy season caused by monsoon winds  Very dry  Very warm weather  Humid and rainy ◦ Monsoons from S. China sea bring heavy rains March-September

6.  Barriers? ◦ Mountains and seas separated China from other lands  AS A RESULT… ◦ Early Chinese people had very little knowledge of the civilizations of Egypt, India, Rome and Greece  Called themselves the “Middle Kingdom”

7. Yellow Riveror Huang River  Muddiest River in the world  Called “Yellow River” because: ◦ carries yellow-brown soil called loess that is deposited when river floods  Called “China’s Sorrow” ◦ Brought life and took thousands of lives  Why? ◦ Destructive floods came without warning  Flood waters ran so fast it would carve a new path in the land!

8. Yellow River

9.  Early farming settlements developed into civilizations  Shang Dynasty ◦ First civilization in China around 1760 B.C. ◦ Built China’s first cities ◦ Produced China’s first writing system ◦ Could be used for different languages  Made communication easier ◦ Created beautiful works of art using BRONZE!

10.  Zhou Dynasty  Located directly west of the Shang Dynasty  Conquered the Shang around 1122 B.C. ◦ Ruled China for almost 1,000 years  Eventually…  Split into two parts: Eastern and Western Zhou ◦ Fought each other until a new dynasty emerged:  QIN DYNASTY!!!

11. WWhat is the mandate of Heaven? ◦C◦Chinese believed that rulers came to power because it was their destiny or fate  Mandate = a law or an order ◦ Mandate of Heaven supported a leader’s right to rule his people ◦ Also gave a father the authority over his family