Ancient China: Early Dynasties, Philosophies, and Religion.
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Transcript of Ancient China: Early Dynasties, Philosophies, and Religion.
Ancient China – Introduction Geography
Civilization in China developed along the fertile Huang He (Yellow River) over 4,000 years ago.
Settlements began around 5000 BCE.
RuleEarly China was ruled by a series of
dynastiesA series of rulers from the same family.Many dynasties made influential contributions to China
Early Chinese DynastiesShang
Settled on the banks of the Huang He River on 1532 BCE to 1027 BCE.
First family of Chinese rulers to leave written records – first true Chinese civilization.
Remembered for their advancements in culture and technology: Ideographic written script to keep track of taxes, rent,
etc. Bronze-metal casting Expansion in the silk industry
Zhou 1045 – 256 BCE on the banks of the Huang He. Stronger rulers due to a new ruling idea –
Mandate of Heaven If rulers were just, they had the authority to
rule from heaven. Military advancements: crossbow and cavalry Technological advancements: iron plows,
better irrigation, better roads for trade.
Qin 221 – 206 BCE –
short lived dynasty. Qin Shi Huangdi –
only ruler of the Qin dynasty. Put the
government under his direct control – violent and demanding!
Mostly remembered for beginning the construction on the Great Wall of China Conscripted tens of thousands of workers
many of whom died and were buried into the wall itself.
Wall was built to keep Mongol and Turkic invaders out of China.
The wall was not completed under his rule (1400 miles long!).
In 1974, archeologists discovered Qin’s Burial Tomb. 6,000 unique life-sized terra cotta
soldiers to protect him in the afterlife.
Han 206 BCE – 220 CE Two major
contributions to Chinese classical civilization: Expansion of
trade, created the Silk Road. Trades goods
such as paper, porcelain, silk.
Civil service system Civilians took exams/tests to get
governmental jobs. Tested on Confucian ideas, ritual,
culture, and even physical skills. Pass = job in government!
Chinese Philosophical and Religious Traditions
Confucianism Established by Confucius in 551 BCE
during the Zhou dynasty. Ideas to help reform social order in
China and society.
Beliefs: In a society
(country), the well being of the group is more important than the individual. In order for
society function, subjects must carry out duties (jobs) effectively.
Code of politeness: people are naturally good Filial Piety: respect for parents and elders Ancestor worship
Better education helps subjects and society
Daoism (Taoism) Established by Laozi during the Zhou dynasty. Beliefs:
Dao translates to “the way” Seek order and harmony with nature Reject social structures and renounce
worldly ambitions – do not matter! lead a simple life to achieve inner peace.