1. Ancient China

2. Shang Dynasty (1750-1122 B.C.E.) Political/ Social Structures Economic
Kings ruled; Military leaders governed territories
Wanted to expand empire
Economic
Farming society ruled by an aristocracy
Cultural/ Religious
Oracle Bones
Ancestor Worship

3. Shang Dynasty

4. Zhou Dynasty (1045-256 B.C.E.) Political/ Social Structures Economic
Rulers received power from the Mandate of Heaven
Complex rights and ceremonial duties
Feudal Rule
Ruled by king; has strict social order
Economic
Trade of local products (like our farmers markets)
Later they trade with foreign lands (salt, iron, cloth)
Cultural/ Religious
Filial Piety
Males superior – supposed to care for rest of the family
Women raised children; worked at home
Followed Confucianism

6. I’m so good I built the Great Wall of China!
Qin Dynasty ( B.C.E.)
Political/ Social Structures
New highly centralized state;
Created strong central bureaucracy
Position based on merit NOT birth
China becomes unified
Followed Legalism
Economic
Built Great Wall and Roads
Cultural/ Religious
Terra-cotta army
I’m so good I built the Great Wall of China!
Emperor Qin Shihuangdi

7. Don’t…Mess with me!
Protect his tomb!!!
Why do you think the Emperor built this army?

9. Han Dynasty (202 B.C.E. - A.D. 220) Political/ Social Structure
Same government as Qin Dynasty EXCEPT:
Expand bureaucracy; create Civil Service Exam
HUGE territorial gains
Follow Confucianism NOT Legalism
Economic
Development of steel & paper!!!
Expanded trade routes (Silk Road)
Trade silk, spices, tea & porcelain
Cultural/ Religious
Taught Confucianism in school; how to act as adult

11. Art/Science/ Technology
Art reflects culture!
Promoted Daoism
Silk Production
Canals built
Link major rivers

12. Cycles of Dynasties New Dynasty established Rule for a time
Start to decline
Collapse as new Dynasty takes over