1. Ancient China

2. What is the worst aspect of the Caste System? Why?
If this system is so restrictive, why do millions of people still follow it?
What would need to happen in order to successfully abolish the Caste System?
THINKER: What is a philosophy? How is this different than religion?
Bellwork Block 1 (9/12-9/13)

4. Chinese Civilizations
Formed along the Huang He River Valley.
Did not have contact with outside civilizations
Ancient China was ruled by dynasties

5. Chinese Civilizations
Ancient China was ruled by two dynasties:
Shang dynasty: 1750BC – 1045BC
Zhou dynasty: 1045BC – 256BC

6. How did the Shang dynasty rule China?
Review
How did the Shang dynasty rule China?
List three achievements of the Shang.
Describe the transition from the Shang to the Zhou dynasty.
What was the Mandate of Heaven? How was this tied to dynastic rulers?
List three achievements of the Zhou.

7. How did the Shang dynasty rule China?

8. Shang Dynasty 1750BC – 1045BC Government was based off land ownership
King appointed leaders to rule local territories (aristocracy)
Religion: Believed in the afterlife and worshiped ancestors; believed priests could communicate with gods (oracle bones)
Used large armies, bronze weapons and chariots to conquer territory
Cultural achievements: bronze objects, ivory, silk, pottery, and the creation of cities.
Describe the transition from the Shang to the Zhou dynasty.

9. Zhou Dynasty
List three achievements of the Zhou dynasty.
In 1045BC, the Shang king was killed (tyrant!) and a new dynasty came to power, the Zhou. (JOH)
Ruled by the Mandate of Heaven
Priests had the authority to call upon the gods and predict the future
Agricultural system: nobles owned the land and peasants worked it.
Technological advances: roads, horses, cross-bow, iron plows, irrigation & expanded foreign trade (silk)
Under the Zhou, China became the most populated country in the world.
After 800 years of rule, internal violence & civil wars challenged the king’s rule.

10. Daoism vs. Confucianism??

11. Ancient River Valley Civilizations

12. Vocab Squares: Asian Civilization Beliefs
To start: divide your paper into eight squares.
Each term = 4 squares
Caste System, Confucianism, Daoism & Buddhism
Each square is dedicated to a different concept and is meant to further your understanding of important historical concepts.
These need to be summarized and in your own words! Show your understanding!

13. TERM Description & Explanation (3 sentences!) Vocabulary
(terms, people, events)
Story
Create a sample story or anecdote that relates to this belief system.
Picture
Represent the key ideas in a visual way!
TERM