Dynasties of China Review!

• As we go through each dynasty, you will take notes on the most important aspects of each one.

• The words highlighted in green are the ones you should write down!

• This handout is another resource you can study, along with your study guide

Shang Dynasty (1750-1050 BC)

• Developed Calligraphy- A way of drawing characters or symbols to express words or ideas– Over 2,000 characters– Written with a brush and ink on silk, bamboo,

or paper

Advances in Technology

• Advanced bronzework– Highly decorated artwork– Improved tools

• Used kaolin- a clay for making pottery• Learned how to raise silkworms and

made silk cloth• Built large palaces, government building,

and religious shrines

Shang Dynasty’s End

• In 1028 B.C. the Chou joined with other tribes in western China and overthrew the Shang. – The Chou Dynasty would go on to rule for 800

years

The Chou Dynasty

1026 B.C – 256 B.C.

Economic Advances

• Skilled craftspeople and merchants increased• Money in the form of small coins was used– People could buy goods without bartering

• Trade expanded and the dynasty became prosperous

Political Theories

• They believed their king was “The Son of Heaven”

• Principle of Revolution- The people believed they had the right to overthrow the king if he did not rule justly

Confucius

• Philosopher who lived from 551 BC – 479 BC

• Most important figure in Chinese history

• Taught about self-control and proper conduct– Respect for elders, teachers, and

parents• “Do not do to others what you

do not want them to do to you”

Lao-Tzu vs. Confucius

• Confucius stressed the importance of government

• Lao-tzu thought less government was better

Era of Warring States

• The last 200 years of the Chou dynasty was known as “The Era of Warring States”

• In 256 B.C., the Ch’in Dynasty took power

Ch’in Dynasty

• Very brief: Lasted from 221 B.C.-210 B.C.– Brief- Short in duration (only 11 years)

• Ruled by Shih Huang Ti• Controlled a large area from the Great Wall to

the Hsi River (also known as the Xi or Pearl River)

Shih Huang Ti

• Uniform rules and laws• Standard currency• New roads were built • Created 36 provinces (or states)• Developed a strong central government

The Great Wall of China

• Built to protect China from nomads from the north

• 1,500 miles long • Kept Mongols, Huns, and other enemies out of

the empire

The End

• Shih Huang Ti died in 210 B.C.– This was the end of the Ch’in Dynasty

• After a power struggle among the generals of the Ch’in army, Liu Pang emerged as the new leader– He founded the Han Dynasty

Han Dynasty

• 206 B.C. – 220 A.D. (426 years)

• Founded by Liu Pang• Increased the size of China

by conquering new lands• Became one of the largest

and wealthiest empires in the Ancient world

Civil Service Exam

• Citizens were paid to hold government jobs

• The people took tests and those with the highest scores were selected– The tests covered math, law, and the

teachings of Confucius• Even poor people were allowed to

take the exam– Provided a system of equal opportunity

Cultural Exchange

• Silk Road- A 4,000 mile trade route along the Great Wall that linked China to the west– India, Mesopotamia, and Persia

• People spread knowledge and ideas to other parts of the world

• The Han Dynasty invented paper in 105 A.D.– Wrote the world’s first dictionary

Decline

• Government became weak– Many people revolted– Warlords (local rulers) became powerful

• The warlords caused the Han Dynasty to crumble– Followed by a long period of unrest

The T’ang Dynasty (618-907 AD)

• Strong Central Government

• Added Korea and Tibet to their empire

• Expanded trade and brought more wealth

Golden Age

• Known as a Golden Age- A period of prosperity and achievement

• Chinese literature greatly expanded:– Encyclopedias and dictionaries– Poetry- Li Po was one of China’s greatest poets– Advances in printing made it possible for more

books to be printed. Literature became available to more people.

Empress Wu Chao• The wife of Emperor Kao-Tsung• Emperor asked her to help rule when he

became ill– He died in 690 and she proclaimed herself

the new Emperor• First and only female emperor• New forms of artwork flourished under

her rule• She ruled for 15 years and in 705 she was

forced to give up her throne to her son

Inventions/Achievements

• Silk - Shang Dynasty• China, a fine pottery made from kaolin – Shang

Dynasty• Money in the form of coins – Chou Dynasty• Great Wall of China – Ch’in Dynasty• Civil Service Exam – Han Dynasty• Paper – Han Dynasty, 105 AD– Wrote the world’s first dictionary

• New forms of painting and sculpting - T’ang Dynasty

Important People

• Confucius – 551-479 BC– Philosopher; most important person in Chinese history– Believed in good, strong government– “Treat others the way you want to be treated.”

• Shih Huang Ti – Died 210 BC– First emperor of China

• Empress Wu Chou/Zetian– Ruled 690-705 AD– First and only woman ruler of Ancient China