Ancient China Existed more than 500,000 years ago Before Sumerians were settling Mesopotamia, Chinese farming settlements were developing along rivers
What is the difference between a settlement and a civilization? QUICK WRITE 3 min Hint: Refer to “Civilization” notes.
What was the geography of Ancient China? Surrounded by natural barriers: Gobi Desert Taklimakan Desert Himalayas Plateau of Tibet (icy) Mongolian Plateau Borders the ocean
Gobi Desert
Taklimakan Desert
Himalayas
Plateau of Tibet
Mongolian Plateau
Borders the Ocean
What Were the River Systems? Two major rivers: Huang He River (“Yellow River”) – Northern China Yangtze River – Central China Loess: yellow silt
What Were the Environmental Challenges? Devastating floods – “China’s Sorrow” No/limited trade Constant northwest invasions
How Did the Environment Aide Civilization? Between two rivers – North China Plain – was very suitable for farming Fertile soil, water supply
What Were the First Dynasties? Xia Dynasty – First Chinese Dynasty Controlled floods, took advantage of rivers Shang Dynasty – First Chinese Dynasty to have written records Major City: Anyang—built of wood
Anyang City walls protected higher classes Peasants, craftspeople lived in huts outside the city Frequently at war
What Do the Indus, Egypt, China, and Mesopotamia Have in Common? QUICK WRITE 3 min