ChinaA Visual Presentation By James and Aaron

Lasted from 220-589Followed the collapse of the Han

DynastyPopularity of Buddhism and

Taoism grew

Period of Disunion

Only woman to rule ChinaMarried to a sickly emperorDeemed two sons unfit to ruleKilled her own son and blamed

it on Empress Wang in order to become ruler

Brought stability and prosperity although widely disliked

Empress Wu

Age of Buddhism

Many people donated land/money to temples

Buddhism influenced art, literature, and architecture

Lasted 400-845Ended when Tang emperor

launched campaign against religion

Chinese became expert farmers (Grew rice, wheat, barley; invented backbone pump)

Cities grew, giving a population of over 1 million

Woodblock printing, Gunpowder, Compass, etc. invented.

Tang and Song Achievements

Confucianism

Based on ideas of Confucius Confucius argued that society would

function best if people concerned for others and had appropriate behavior

As Buddhism gained popularity, Confucianism lost influence

Neo-Confucianism emphasized spiritual matters

Neo-Confucianism became official government teachings during Song Dynasty

Scholar-Officials

Scholar Officials- educated member of the government

One would become one by taking a test Only a small fraction of people taking

the test could reach a high level and be given a position in the government

Were admired for knowledge and paid for aid

Ghengis Khan

Born as Temüjin Organized all the Mongol tribes together

to rule a large part of Asia During death in 1227, all of Northern

china was in control

Kublai Khan

Son of Ghengis Khan Became ruler of Mongols in 1260 Finished conquest of China in 1279 He and Mongols belonged to a different

ethnic group then the Chinese (Different gods, language, clothing, etc.)

Started Yuan Dynasty

Yuan Dynasty

Mongols placed heavy taxes on Chinese Mongol soldiers were sent throughout

China to guard and keep watch on the Chinese

Much of the Yuan Dynasty is from an Italian merchant named Marco Polo

Ended when Zhu Yuanzhang led a rebel army to victory over the Mongols in 1368

Ming Dynasty

Led by Zhu Yuanzhang Lasted 1368-1644 One of the most stable and prosperous

times in China’s history Expanded China’s fame overseas Sponsored incredible building projects

over China

Zheng He

Greatest sailor of the Ming period Led seven grand voyages around Asia

between 1405 and 1433 Sailed fleet throughout Indian Ocean Once returned to China with

representatives from over 20 nations

The End