Ancient Chinese Dynasties

Shang – 1600 – 1046 BCE Rise to power: Led rebellion to overthrow Xia ruler thanks to the use of Infantry!

Shang – 1600 – 1046 BCE Achievements: Bronze weapons Glazed pottery Writing system – on Oracle bones Astronomy – correct year length Permanent Settlements Irrigation system Ancestor worship

Shang – 1600 – 1046 BCE Decline: Shang rulers were very cruel – people started rebelling – Zhou overtakes Shang-

Zhou – 1046 BCE-256 BCE Achievements: Iron age – iron tipped plow helped with growing more crops Mandate to Heaven

Zhou – 1046 BCE-256 BCE Decline: General disarray of dynasty allowed Qin to overthrow to take over

Qin Dynasty – 221 BCE to 207 BCE Rise to power: Grew powerful during Zhou Dynasty – very strict and made people obey them. Zhou was also getting weaker. Qin became powerful enough to overthrow Zhou

Achievements: Created standard for Chinese writing and currency Network of roads & canals Great Wall of China

Qin Dynasty – 221 BCE to 207 BCE Decline: Their only emperor died – who was also a bit crazy – probably due to all the mercury the doctors gave him – terra cotta soldiers guarded him for heaven’s sake – and then the China fell into chaos. . .

Han Dynasty 428 BCE – 220 CE Rise to power – seized control after Qin emperor died

Han Dynasty 428 BCE – 220 CE MORE glazed pottery Stirrups Achievements: referred to as greatest period in Chinese history Steel Armor for horses Create paper Acupuncture Seismograph Hot air balloons Wheel barrow MORE glazed pottery Stirrups Weaved clothing Civil Service Exam!

Han Dynasty 428 BCE – 220 CE Decline: Revolt of lower class due to high taxes – split into 3 kingdoms