Ancient China Dynasties

Dynasties Several dynasties ruled China. Dynasties are families that rule for several generations.

Dynasties The four dynasties which ruled Ancient China were: Shang (1523-1028 BCE) Zhou (1027-256 BCE) Qin (221-206 BCE) Han (206 BCE-220 CE)

Ancient Chinese Empire (c.3500 - 589 CE)

Mandate from Heaven Chinese believed that gods gave their Kings the power to rule. This is called the “Mandate from Heaven”.

Shang Dynasty 1750-1500 B.C. Invaders called the Shang swept into the Huang River Valley. Introduced irrigation and flood-control systems into the region. By controlling these systems, the Shang could more easily control the region’s people.

Shang Government Created a complex bureaucracy: government organized into different levels and tasks. A hereditary King ruled over all land in the kingdom War chariots and bronze weapons were used to defend against invaders. Military might and well-organized government allowed the Shang to gain territory.

Shang Economy and handicrafts Economy was based mainly on agriculture: millet and rice. Raised silkworms so that they could spin thread from the cocoons and wove silk cloth from the thread.

Artisans Artisans worked in bone, ivory, and jade. Pottery and ceramic art was very popular.

Astronomy and the calendar Two calendars: one based on the sun and one based on the moon. Moon Calendar: record of private and public events. Planting was determined by the calendar. A good harvest meant popularity for the king. Therefore the priest-astronomers were important.

Religion Combined animism (the belief that spirits inhabit everything)—with ancestor worship Dragon became symbol of Chinese rulers They also worshipped gods of the wind, sun, clouds, and moon. POLYTHEISTIC The Shang also believed in Shangdi, a great god who controlled human destiny and forces of nature.

Religion Oracle Bones: the shoulder bones of cattle or tortoise shells. The priests heated the bones and interpreted the cracks that would appear.

Language and Writing. Many dialects were spoken. The Chinese method of writing, each character stands for an idea, not a sound. People in all parts of China could learn the same system of writing. To be barely literate one had to know 1,000 characters. (Not just 26 letters)

Language and Writing Writing was limited to a small number of specialists: clerks, scribes, and teachers. It demanded much study and practice, therefore workers, had little time for such luxury.

Social Classes The civilization was sharply divided between nobles and peasants. These noble families owned the land. They would send tribute to the Shang ruler in exchange for local control.

Family The family was central to Chinese society. The most important virtue was respect for one’s parents. Women were treated as inferiors. When a girl was between 13 and 16 years old, her marriage was arranged.

The Fall of the Shang Dynasty 1200B.C. : Herders from the harsh Gobi desert and the Tian Shan foothills began moving in and settling along the borders. The Shang were almost continuously fighting them off. The extended military efforts exhausted the Shang rulers.

The Fall 1050 B.C The Zhou formed an alliance and overthrew the Shang, claiming the Shang were corrupt and unfit to rule.

Zhou Dynasty 1027-256 BCE

The new ruler from the Qin dynasty Shi Huangdi – was a new emperor who would unify and expand China. Believed in legalism and tried to destroy Confucianism! He believed in a strong central government

Movie http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=426c4a 53-6e23-4390-bfcb- 9ab11f75df57&blnFromSearch=1&productcode=HUB

The Great Wall Shi Huangdi wanted a long wall along China’s northern boarders to keep out nomadic invaders. They Great Wall of China was built of earth, stone and bricks Shi Huangdi forced many peasants and criminals to build the Great Wall. Many workers died from the labor As time went on to other dynasties the wall got larger and larger.

Movie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23oHqNEqRyo

The Qin Dynasty Ends Shi Huangdi died in 210 BC He was buried in an elaborate tomb An army of Terracotta soldiers, baked in clay, were buried nearby to guard his tomb.

Movie http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsUE-ZtcUFg