Dynasties of Ancient China World History

Geography Geographically isolated to some extent. Huang He (Yellow River) and Chiang jiang (Yangtze) rivers flood quite often.

How did China’s geography affect its early development?

Long rivers…. Fertile soil…. Temperate climate…. Isolated valleys…. *** All helped their civilization to flourish!

Xia Dynasty (Approx yrs ago) Ruler: Yu Irrigation and drained floodwaters Beginning of Chinese civilization No written records – existence is by legend

Shang Dynasty ( B.C.) Ruler: Wu Ding Developments: impressive cities & mastery with the art of bronze casting Farming society ruled by a king and an aristocracy Capital was Anyang Warlords governed territories Ancestor worship developed

Zhou Dynasty ( B.C.) (era of warring states) Developments: longest lived dynasty (800+ years); claimed the Mandate of Heaven Emperors called themselves “Sons of Heaven” Linguistic unity – Mandarin was standardized Daoism & Confucianism - related to politics Trade expanded to distant regions Set up an agricultural system (nobles & peasants) A.K.A. feudalism

Zhou Dynasty ( B.C.) (era of warring states) Expanded Chinese territory to Yangtze River Valley (wheat & rice growing areas added) Increased food production and use of iron Concept of the family grows in importance Chopsticks Use cavalry & crossbow Took steps to centralize government, but local leaders ignored central government