1. Look at these symbols/pictures. Are you familiar with any?

2. EARLY CHINA

3. Shang Dynasty Shang Dynasty (1532 to 1027 B.C.E.)
first important civilization to leave written records

4. The Origins of Chinese Culture
Most important virtue: respect for one's parents (filial piety)
Obedience to authority and the king was emphasized
The thought that divine approval (or disapproval) was given to royal power
Mandate of Heaven

5. Religious Beliefs Family was closely linked to religion
Believed that dead ancestors continued to affect their lives
Mulan anyone?

6. Major Philosophies in China
Confucius says…World History is the best!
Confucianism-revolves around respectful relationships
Respect your elders (filial piety)
Wants order in society
Daoism-believes in balance and order in nature
Founder: Laozi

7. Later Philosophies in China
Buddhism
Originates in India with Siddhartha Gautama (aka the Buddha)
Does NOT believe in the caste system
Believes that following the Noble Eightfold Path will help you reach nirvana
Spreads to China via the Silk Roads

8. Oracle bones
Ancient Chinese used animal bones or tortoise shells to communicate with their ancestors and gods.
Incorporates both religion and record-keeping

9. Shang Technology
Chinese invented silk making

10. An Empire Unifies China
The Zhou Dynasty (1027 B.C. to 256 B.C)
Established political, economic and social stability

11. The Qin Dynasty
Zhou Dynasty is too decentralized and was replaced by a new state called Qin.

12. A New Emperor Takes Control
Shi Huang Di which means "First Emperor."
He took control, ended internal wars and defeated invaders.
Used legalist principles-very harsh
Terra cotta warriors

13. Great Wall of China
Earlier, Zhou rulers built smaller walls to discourage attacks by northern nomads.
Shi Huang Di connected the Great Wall of China.
It took great engineering skill

14. The Fall of the Qin The Qin Dynasty didn’t last long
Shi Huang Di's son was a terrible ruler.
People rebelled and marched into the capital.
By 202 B.C.E., the harsh Qin Dynasty gave way to the Han Dynasty.