Chapter 4 – Ancient Chinese Civilization

Section 1: Geographic and Cultural Influences Ancient Chinese civilization flourished from 1500 BC to AD 589 Four major dynasties existed during this time: Shang Zhou Qin Han

Three major rivers: Yellow River Yangtze River Xi River

Geography: The Yellow River has been nicknamed “China’s Sorrow” because of many devastating floods China developed isolated from India and the West: Farther away, rugged mountains, and harsh deserts Influenced by fewer other cultures than any other ancient civilization

Considered nomads to the north and west to be culturally inferior Called themselves the “Middle Kingdom” Thought they were the center of world Strong sense of identity and superiority Believed people were only fully civilized if they learned Chinese language and adopted Chinese customs Invaders eventually lost identities and were absorbed into China’s population

Chinese Writing Chinese writing has been found dating back to the Shang Dynasty, around 1200 BC. Writing was originally done on oracle bones, usually turtle shells or ox scapulae. Bones with writing were put in the fire and the cracks formed were used to answer questions as a form of “fortune telling.” Writing was eventually done on bronze and later paper. Writing was standardized during the Qin dynasty (221 BC). Today, educated Chinese people know about 4000 characters.

The Xia Chinese legend tells of Yu, a mythological figure who drained away floodwaters so people could live in China Yu established a line of kings called the Xia The Xia rule over the region starting in about 2200 BC The developed agriculture and used written symbols They lacked methods to control irrigation and floods

Shang Dynasty Swept into Yellow River valley between 1750 – 1500 BC First dynasty Strengthened their rule by introducing irrigation and flood control systems Used war chariots and bronze weapons to defend kingdom’s borders Economy based on agriculture

Continuously battled warlike neighboring states Military was finally exhausted Overthrown by Zhou dynasty in 1050 BC

Zhou Dynasty Longest-lasting dynasty No centralized government Believed in “Mandate of Heaven” God chose rulers Local leaders fought amongst themselves One of the Warring States, the Qin, took over as rulers

Qin Dynasty Came to power through military force, around 221 BC Lasted only 15 years Name “China” comes from Qin Established autocracy – emperor held total power Forced people to build Great Wall of China Discontent caused a rebel army to overthrow the empire – founded Han dynasty

Great Wall of China

Terra cotta Army The terracotta army is located in the tomb of the first Qin Dynasty ruler Shihuangdi It represents the emperor’s ability to control the resources of the newly unified China. It also shows his attempt to recreate and maintain that empire in the afterlife. The Terra-Cotta Warriors - YouTube

Han Dynasty In power for 400 years Many Chinese today call themselves “People of Han” Empire larger than the Roman Empire Established a civil service system to run government

The Han Empire

Trade prospered along Silk Road Stretched from China across central Asia to Mediterranean region Camel caravans carried jade, silk, and paper to Greeks and Romans Caravans returned to China with gold, silver, and wool Fell to nomadic people around AD 220 A Chinese general reunified China in AD 581

The Silk Road

Culture: Mostly small village farmers Inventions include: SEISMOGRAPH PRINTING PAPER ACUPUNCTURE SUNDIAL COMPASS GUNPOWDER PORCELAIN SILK https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmHkOHs0 0Bo