Bell Ringer What measures did Shi Huangdi take to unite the economy and culture of China? (Positive and Negative)

Silk Road The SILK ROAD is an ancient trade route between China and Europe. Emperor Wudi’s conquests in the west brought the Chinese into contact with the people in Central Asia. The exchange of goods between the people in both areas gave rise to the major trade route- the Silk Road. This route ran all the way from China to the Mediterranean Sea. What obstacles do you think that traders had to deal with along the route?

Which social class benefited the most from The Silk Road? The Silk Road was a series of roads spanning 4,000 miles The Silk Road was a challenging route with passages through mountains and desserts. Few travelers were able to travel the entire length of the Silk Road, goods were instead passed off from trader to trader along the route. As the items passed along, the price rate increased. Which social class benefited the most from The Silk Road?

What ideas could have traveled from China on The Silk Road? The Silk Road got its name from silk which was a valuable cloth originally made only in China. Han farmers raised the silkworms, figured out ways to dye the silk, and these methods were guarded secrets. Sharing was punishable by death. More than goods traveled the road, new ideas did too. ** REMEMBER THIS? For example missionaries from India traveled to China on The Silk Road bringing Buddhism with them.** What ideas could have traveled from China on The Silk Road?

#2 SILK ROAD - a 4,000 mile trade route that stretched from China to the Fertile Crescent in southwestern Asia (opened up by the Han Dynasty)

OUD ITEMS TRADED ALONG THE SILK ROAD GLASS BACTRIAN CAMELS CARPETS PORCELAIN METAL WORK SILK JADE SPICES

Tradition and Learning Traditional Chinese ideas flourished during the Han dynasty. People returned to the teachings of Confucius. Han rulers found that in times of trouble people turned away from traditions, so Han rulers wanted the people to focus in on the teachings of Confucius. Arts and scholarship flourished under Han dynasty. Chinese scholars put together first dictionary of Chinese language, but greatest advancement happened in the field of history. Why do you think people turned away from their traditions in times of trouble?

Tradition and Learning Until the Han dynasty people had little or no knowledge of their history. They knew only myths that had been passed down. Sima Qian- scholar who spent his life writing history of China from mythical times to the reign of Wudi. (works called Historical Records) How did Sima Qian impact the civilizations that followed the Han?

Han Technology With the stability of the Han dynasty the Chinese could turn their attention to improving society. During Han dynasty, China became the most advanced civilization in the world.

Han Technology The Han dynasty is responsible for major advancements in farming tools and paper. The Chinese first used wooden scrolls and bones to keep record, and later they used silk. Around 105 A.D. the Chinese recorded the invention of paper. Early paper was made from tree bark, hemp, and old rags. The availability of paper greatly influences learning and the arts in China.

EXIT TICKET CULTURAL DIFFUSION - the exchanging of goods and ideas from one culture to another usually done through trade and war. THE SILK ROAD IS AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF CULTURAL DIFFUSION. WHY?

Independent Practice Silk Road D.B.Q. Sheet