1. Classical China The Qin and Han Dynasties

2. Qin Dynasty

3. Political/Economic Characteristics Qin Dynasty China is unified under Qin Centralized power ◦ Non-hereditary bureaucratic system Harsh Legalism ◦ Standardized legal codes, coinage

4. Social Characteristics Qin Dynasty Former nobility lost all power ◦ Emperor had complete control over people Formed “Groups” ◦ 5-10 family units which were responsible for wrongdoings of any individual within the group

5. Technological Characteristics Qin Dynasty Standardized language & measurements Roads, irrigation canals Great Wall Terra Cotta Soldiers ◦ Army of 6000 pottery soldiers

6. Han Dynasty 220 BCE-220 CE

7. Political/Economic Characteristics Han China Well organized bureaucracy based upon Confucian ideals and education Decentralized government Civil Service Exam Continued standardization of coins & measures

8. Social Characteristics Han China Emphasis on family ancestors; patriarchal Reliance on landed gentry

9. Technological Characteristics Han China Engineering accomplishments: ◦ Roads, canals, bridges, the Great Wall Silk Weaving

10. Religious Characteristics Han China Confucianism, Daoism, native gods Introduction of Buddhism ◦ Came to China from India along the Silk Road

11. Interactions The Silk Road 7000 mile route that connected China, Central Asia, Northern India, and the Roman Empire Caravans linked trade between China & Mesopotamia

12. Decline of Han China Infighting among ruling elites Inequitable distribution of land-tax burden fell to peasants not to large landowners Series of peasant rebellions Generals usurp political power – become warlords 220 CE warlords split empire-3 kingdoms Emigration of nomadic tribes continues disunity