1. Chapter 4 – Ancient Chinese Civilization

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

3. Three major rivers:
Yellow River
Yangtze River
Xi River

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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 BC
The developed agriculture and used written symbols
They lacked methods to control irrigation and floods

9. 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

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

11. 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

12. 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

13. Great Wall of China

15. 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

16. 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

17. The Han Empire

18. 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

19. The Silk Road

20. Culture: Mostly small village farmers Inventions include:
SEISMOGRAPH PRINTING
PAPER ACUPUNCTURE
SUNDIAL COMPASS
GUNPOWDER PORCELAIN
SILK
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