1. Ancient China Oldest continuous civilization in the world
Began around 3000 BC along river valleys
Most important along Huang He (Yellow) River
Developed in virtual isolation from rest of the world “Middle Kingdom”—center of universe

2. Geographical Influences
Mountains, sea, and desert provide some protection and isolation
Vulnerable to northwest
River valleys 1. Yellow(Huang Ho) earliest civilization - damaging floods 2. Yangtze- very important in unification- transportation- irrigation

3. The Xia and Shang Dynasties
According to legend, China founded by Yu the Great, who began the Xia Dynasty.
No archaeological evidence
First documented dynasty is the Shang ( BC)

4. Earliest Civilizations- most isolated
Earliest- Neolithic- Ban Po- similar to other parts of the world/ one of the oldest
Shang Dynasty BCE in N China along the Huang He- raised silk worms- silk part of lure and fascination of China, famous for bronze sculpture, daggers, jade jewelry paid homage to ancestors- family important
Chou (Zhou) , longest-developed foundations for Chinese society

5. Religion and Society
Mandate of Heaven—good/bad events were result of rulers abilities
Created Divine Right concept, but with idea that bad rulers would lose mandate and should be deposed
Dynastic kingdoms
Complex written language
Bronze tools and weaponry

6. Decline Shang Dynasty plagued by weak rulers in later years
Finally overthrown by Wu, who established the Zhou Dynasty which lasted over 800 years