Ancient China Ancient China

By James Rooney

China populationChina populationChina populationChina population With just over 1.3 billion people (1,330,044,605), China is the world's most populous country. With just over 1.3 billion people (1,330,044,605), China is the world's most populous country.

As the world's population is approximately 6.7 billion, China represents a full 20% of the As the world's population is approximately 6.7 billion, China represents a full 20% of the world's population so one in every five people on the planet is a resident of China. China's world's population so one in every five people on the planet is a resident of China. China's population growth has been somewhat slowed by the one child policy, in effect since population growth has been somewhat slowed by the one child policy, in effect since 1979.Recently as 1950, China's population was a mere 563 million. The population grew 1979.Recently as 1950, China's population was a mere 563 million. The population grew dramatically through the following decades to one billion in the early 1980s.dramatically through the following decades to one billion in the early 1980s.

China's total fertility rate is 1.7, which means that, on average, each woman gives birth to 1.7 China's total fertility rate is 1.7, which means that, on average, each woman gives birth to 1.7 children throughout her life. The necessary total fertility rate for a stable population is 2.1; children throughout her life. The necessary total fertility rate for a stable population is 2.1; nonetheless, China's population is expected to grow over the next few decades. This can be nonetheless, China's population is expected to grow over the next few decades. This can be attributed to immigration and a decrease in infant mortality and a decrease in death rate as attributed to immigration and a decrease in infant mortality and a decrease in death rate as national health improves.national health improves.

By the late 2014, China's population is expected to reach 1.4 billion. Around 2030, China's By the late 2014, China's population is expected to reach 1.4 billion. Around 2030, China's population is anticipated to peak and then slowly start dropping.population is anticipated to peak and then slowly start dropping.

In the next few decades, India, the world's second most populous country is expected to In the next few decades, India, the world's second most populous country is expected to surpass China in population. By 2040, India's population is expected to be 1.52 billion; that surpass China in population. By 2040, India's population is expected to be 1.52 billion; that same year, China's will be 1.45 billion and India will become the world's most populous same year, China's will be 1.45 billion and India will become the world's most populous country. As of 2005, India has a total fertility rate of 2.8, well above replacement value, so it is country. As of 2005, India has a total fertility rate of 2.8, well above replacement value, so it is growing much more quickly than China.growing much more quickly than China.

With just over 1.3 billion people (1,330,044,605), China is the world's most populous country. With just over 1.3 billion people (1,330,044,605), China is the world's most populous country. As the world's population is approximately 6.7 billion, China represents a full 20% of the As the world's population is approximately 6.7 billion, China represents a full 20% of the world's population so one in every five people on the planet is a resident of China. China's world's population so one in every five people on the planet is a resident of China. China's population growth has been somewhat slowed by the one child policy, in effect since population growth has been somewhat slowed by the one child policy, in effect since 1979.Recently as 1950, China's population was a mere 563 million. The population grew 1979.Recently as 1950, China's population was a mere 563 million. The population grew dramatically through the following decades to one billion in the early 1980s.dramatically through the following decades to one billion in the early 1980s.

China's total fertility rate is 1.7, which means that, on average, each woman gives birth to 1.7 China's total fertility rate is 1.7, which means that, on average, each woman gives birth to 1.7 children throughout her life. The necessary total fertility rate for a stable population is 2.1; children throughout her life. The necessary total fertility rate for a stable population is 2.1; nonetheless, China's population is expected to grow over the next few decades. This can be nonetheless, China's population is expected to grow over the next few decades. This can be attributed to immigration and a decrease in infant mortality and a decrease in death rate as attributed to immigration and a decrease in infant mortality and a decrease in death rate as national health improves.national health improves.

By the late 2014, China's population is expected to reach 1.4 billion. Around 2030, China's By the late 2014, China's population is expected to reach 1.4 billion. Around 2030, China's population is anticipated to peak and then slowly start dropping.population is anticipated to peak and then slowly start dropping.

In the next few decades, India, the world's second most populous country is expected to In the next few decades, India, the world's second most populous country is expected to surpass China in population. By 2040, India's population is expected to be 1.52 billion; that surpass China in population. By 2040, India's population is expected to be 1.52 billion; that same year, China's will be 1.45 billion and India will become the world's most populous same year, China's will be 1.45 billion and India will become the world's most populous country. As of 2005, India has a total fertility rate of 2.8, well above replacement value, so it is country. As of 2005, India has a total fertility rate of 2.8, well above replacement value, so it is growing much more quickly than China.growing much more quickly than China.

Ancient China, religionAncient China, religionAncient China, religionAncient China, religion In the Shang Dynasty (about 2000 BC), the earliest period we know much about, In the Shang Dynasty (about 2000 BC), the earliest period we know much about,

people in China worshipped a lot of different gods - weather gods and sky gods - people in China worshipped a lot of different gods - weather gods and sky gods - and also a higher god who ruled over the other gods, called Shang-Ti. People who and also a higher god who ruled over the other gods, called Shang-Ti. People who lived during the Shang Dynasty also believed that their ancestors - their parents and lived during the Shang Dynasty also believed that their ancestors - their parents and grandparents - became like gods when they died, and that their ancestors wanted to grandparents - became like gods when they died, and that their ancestors wanted to be worshipped too, like gods. Each family worshipped their own ancestors.be worshipped too, like gods. Each family worshipped their own ancestors.

Around 1500 BC, people began to use written oracle bones to try to find out what Around 1500 BC, people began to use written oracle bones to try to find out what was going to happen in the future. By the time of the Chou Dynasty (about 1100 was going to happen in the future. By the time of the Chou Dynasty (about 1100 BC), the Chinese were also worshipping a natural force called t'ien, which we BC), the Chinese were also worshipping a natural force called t'ien, which we usually translate as Heaven. Like Shang-Ti, Heaven ruled over all the other gods. usually translate as Heaven. Like Shang-Ti, Heaven ruled over all the other gods. Heaven also decided who would be the Emperor or Empress of China. The Heaven also decided who would be the Emperor or Empress of China. The emperor or empress could only rule as long as he or she had the Mandate of emperor or empress could only rule as long as he or she had the Mandate of Heaven (as long as Heaven wanted him or her to rule). You knew when the Heaven (as long as Heaven wanted him or her to rule). You knew when the emperor or empress had lost the Mandate of Heaven because he or she would then emperor or empress had lost the Mandate of Heaven because he or she would then be overthrown by somebody else who would become the new emperor or empress.be overthrown by somebody else who would become the new emperor or empress.

In the Shang Dynasty (about 2000 BC), the earliest period we know much about, In the Shang Dynasty (about 2000 BC), the earliest period we know much about, people in China worshipped a lot of different gods - weather gods and sky gods - people in China worshipped a lot of different gods - weather gods and sky gods - and also a higher god who ruled over the other gods, called Shang-Ti. People who and also a higher god who ruled over the other gods, called Shang-Ti. People who lived during the Shang Dynasty also believed that their ancestors - their parents and lived during the Shang Dynasty also believed that their ancestors - their parents and grandparents - became like gods when they died, and that their ancestors wanted to grandparents - became like gods when they died, and that their ancestors wanted to be worshipped too, like gods. Each family worshipped their own ancestors.be worshipped too, like gods. Each family worshipped their own ancestors.

Around 1500 BC, people began to use written oracle bones to try to find out what Around 1500 BC, people began to use written oracle bones to try to find out what was going to happen in the future. By the time of the Chou Dynasty (about 1100 was going to happen in the future. By the time of the Chou Dynasty (about 1100 BC), the Chinese were also worshipping a natural force called t'ien, which we BC), the Chinese were also worshipping a natural force called t'ien, which we usually translate as Heaven. Like Shang-Ti, Heaven ruled over all the other gods. usually translate as Heaven. Like Shang-Ti, Heaven ruled over all the other gods. Heaven also decided who would be the Emperor or Empress of China. The Heaven also decided who would be the Emperor or Empress of China. The emperor or empress could only rule as long as he or she had the Mandate of emperor or empress could only rule as long as he or she had the Mandate of Heaven (as long as Heaven wanted him or her to rule). You knew when the Heaven (as long as Heaven wanted him or her to rule). You knew when the emperor or empress had lost the Mandate of Heaven because he or she would then emperor or empress had lost the Mandate of Heaven because he or she would then be overthrown by somebody else who would become the new emperor or empress.be overthrown by somebody else who would become the new emperor or empress.

Some new ideasSome new ideasSome new ideasSome new ideas Around 600 BC, under the Eastern Chou Dynasty, and for the next two Around 600 BC, under the Eastern Chou Dynasty, and for the next two

hundred years, there were a lot of new ideas in Chinese religion. First, a hundred years, there were a lot of new ideas in Chinese religion. First, a Chinese philosopher named Lao Tzu (he might be mythical) created the Chinese philosopher named Lao Tzu (he might be mythical) created the philosophy of Taoism, which became very popular. Taoism holds that people philosophy of Taoism, which became very popular. Taoism holds that people should not try to get their way by force, but through compromise and using should not try to get their way by force, but through compromise and using natural forces in their corner. It is partly a philosophy, and partly a religious natural forces in their corner. It is partly a philosophy, and partly a religious faith. Taoists believe that there is a universal force flowing through all living faith. Taoists believe that there is a universal force flowing through all living things, and that respecting that force is essential to a happy life.things, and that respecting that force is essential to a happy life.

Not long after Lao Tzu, another Chinese scholar called Confucius created a Not long after Lao Tzu, another Chinese scholar called Confucius created a different philosophical system we call Confucianism, which disagreed with different philosophical system we call Confucianism, which disagreed with Taoism but also became very popular. Confucianism holds that people Taoism but also became very popular. Confucianism holds that people should do their duty and follow their leaders and the gods faithfully. Order is should do their duty and follow their leaders and the gods faithfully. Order is the way to peace. If everyone just does what they are told, and what they are the way to peace. If everyone just does what they are told, and what they are supposed to do, there won't be any fighting and nobody will be upset.supposed to do, there won't be any fighting and nobody will be upset.

Around 600 BC, under the Eastern Chou Dynasty, and for the next two Around 600 BC, under the Eastern Chou Dynasty, and for the next two hundred years, there were a lot of new ideas in Chinese religion. First, a hundred years, there were a lot of new ideas in Chinese religion. First, a Chinese philosopher named Lao Tzu (he might be mythical) created the Chinese philosopher named Lao Tzu (he might be mythical) created the philosophy of Taoism, which became very popular. Taoism holds that people philosophy of Taoism, which became very popular. Taoism holds that people should not try to get their way by force, but through compromise and using should not try to get their way by force, but through compromise and using natural forces in their corner. It is partly a philosophy, and partly a religious natural forces in their corner. It is partly a philosophy, and partly a religious faith. Taoists believe that there is a universal force flowing through all living faith. Taoists believe that there is a universal force flowing through all living things, and that respecting that force is essential to a happy life.things, and that respecting that force is essential to a happy life.

Not long after Lao Tzu, another Chinese scholar called Confucius created a Not long after Lao Tzu, another Chinese scholar called Confucius created a different philosophical system we call Confucianism, which disagreed with different philosophical system we call Confucianism, which disagreed with Taoism but also became very popular. Confucianism holds that people Taoism but also became very popular. Confucianism holds that people should do their duty and follow their leaders and the gods faithfully. Order is should do their duty and follow their leaders and the gods faithfully. Order is the way to peace. If everyone just does what they are told, and what they are the way to peace. If everyone just does what they are told, and what they are supposed to do, there won't be any fighting and nobody will be upset.supposed to do, there won't be any fighting and nobody will be upset.

The wallThe wallThe wallThe wall The Chinese worked on the Great Wall for over 1700 years. In turn, each

emperor who came to power added pieces of the wall to protect their dynasties. But the wall was not a solid wall. It was a line of disconnected barricades. First Emperor Qin wanted a much better barricade to protect his people from the Mongol invaders to the north. He wanted a strong wall 30 feet wide and 50 feet high First Emperor Qin used peasants, captured enemies, criminals, scholars, and anyone else who irritated him, and put them all to work building the Great Wall. Laborers were not paid for their work. It was slave labor. About 3000 people worked on the wall during the Qin Dynasty. Rocks fell on people. Walls caved in. Workers died of exhaustion and disease. Laborers were fed only enough food to keep them alive. There is an old Chinese saying, "Each stone in the wall represents a life lost in the wall's construction. This project continued long after First Emperor Qin’s death. Building the wall was a project that continued for many hundreds of years until the wall was over 3700 miles long. Most emperors used the same system that Qin used, forced labor. Today, the Great Wall still stands. It can be seen from space, it’s that big!

The Chinese worked on the Great Wall for over 1700 years. In turn, each emperor who came to power added pieces of the wall to protect their dynasties. But the wall was not a solid wall. It was a line of disconnected barricades. First Emperor Qin wanted a much better barricade to protect his people from the Mongol invaders to the north. He wanted a strong wall 30 feet wide and 50 feet high First Emperor Qin used peasants, captured enemies, criminals, scholars, and anyone else who irritated him, and put them all to work building the Great Wall. Laborers were not paid for their work. It was slave labor. About 3000 people worked on the wall during the Qin Dynasty. Rocks fell on people. Walls caved in. Workers died of exhaustion and disease. Laborers were fed only enough food to keep them alive. There is an old Chinese saying, "Each stone in the wall represents a life lost in the wall's construction. This project continued long after First Emperor Qin’s death. Building the wall was a project that continued for many hundreds of years until the wall was over 3700 miles long. Most emperors used the same system that Qin used, forced labor. Today, the Great Wall still stands. It can be seen from space, it’s that big!

The first emperorThe first emperor The first emperorThe first emperor

Many dynasties in Ancient China lasted for hundreds of years. But the Qin Dynasty lasted for only 15 years. Yet, First Emperor Qin accomplished an amazing amount of change. Qin was the first man to control all of China. He did not want to be called a king. he called himself First Emperor Qin. He died of natural causes. But in the short time that he ruled China, he readied China to be pulled together as one country. But at what cost? First Emperor Qin was a legalist. Legalists believe that people are basically bad. They believe that it is necessary to control and regulate every minute of people's lives so they have the discipline needed to work hard in the fields and in battle. Qin ran his dynasty with absolute control and swift harsh punishment. It was illegal to whine about Qin's government. If you simply suggested that things might be improved, you could be put to death without a trial. Bureaucracy: To control his people, First Emperor Qin developed a system of bureaucracy. He divided his empire into 36 provinces. Each province was divided into districts. He put two government officials in charge of each province. It was their job to put strong people in charge of each district. Workers were well trained and paid. They reported to supervisors. People at each level supervised

those below them.

Many dynasties in Ancient China lasted for hundreds of years. But the Qin Dynasty lasted for only 15 years. Yet, First Emperor Qin accomplished an amazing amount of change. Qin was the first man to control all of China. He did not want to be called a king. he called himself First Emperor Qin. He died of natural causes. But in the short time that he ruled China, he readied China to be pulled together as one country. But at what cost? First Emperor Qin was a legalist. Legalists believe that people are basically bad. They believe that it is necessary to control and regulate every minute of people's lives so they have the discipline needed to work hard in the fields and in battle. Qin ran his dynasty with absolute control and swift harsh punishment. It was illegal to whine about Qin's government. If you simply suggested that things might be improved, you could be put to death without a trial. Bureaucracy: To control his people, First Emperor Qin developed a system of bureaucracy. He divided his empire into 36 provinces. Each province was divided into districts. He put two government officials in charge of each province. It was their job to put strong people in charge of each district. Workers were well trained and paid. They reported to supervisors. People at each level supervised

those below them.

How Qin worked How Qin worked How Qin worked How Qin worked Spy System: To make sure everyone did their job correctly, First Emperor Qin set up a spy system. People had to spy on each other - Spy System: To make sure everyone did their job correctly, First Emperor Qin set up a spy system. People had to spy on each other -

it was the law. People had to spy on each at work and at home in their neighborhood or village. If people turned in lawbreakers, they it was the law. People had to spy on each at work and at home in their neighborhood or village. If people turned in lawbreakers, they were rewarded. If they did not, they were executed. It was a simple system, and it worked very well. This organization system gave were rewarded. If they did not, they were executed. It was a simple system, and it worked very well. This organization system gave Qin great power. That power allowed him to make huge changes. Qin knew that to unify China there had to be big changes. Most of Qin great power. That power allowed him to make huge changes. Qin knew that to unify China there had to be big changes. Most of his laws had something to do with protection. his laws had something to do with protection.

Changes: Changes: Land: First Emperor Qin took land away from the nobles. He did not want the nobles rising up against him. Anyone who argued with Land: First Emperor Qin took land away from the nobles. He did not want the nobles rising up against him. Anyone who argued with

Qin was either buried alive or put to work building the Great Wall.Qin was either buried alive or put to work building the Great Wall. Standardization: He introduced one system of weights, measures, money, written language, and laws. Nobody argued with him. Standardization: He introduced one system of weights, measures, money, written language, and laws. Nobody argued with him. Law Code: He introduced a new law code that applied to everybody. He created a huge law enforcement group, whose job was to Law Code: He introduced a new law code that applied to everybody. He created a huge law enforcement group, whose job was to

enforce the laws. enforce the laws. Peasants: Peasants were assigned a job. They were either assigned the job of farmer or of silk maker. It they tried to do anything else Peasants: Peasants were assigned a job. They were either assigned the job of farmer or of silk maker. It they tried to do anything else

besides their assigned job, they were sent to work on the Great Wall. If people were lazy or slow at doing their assigned job, they besides their assigned job, they were sent to work on the Great Wall. If people were lazy or slow at doing their assigned job, they were sent to work on the wall. were sent to work on the wall.

Censorship: Qin practiced total censorship. He persecuted scholars and destroyed books. He defined useless books as any book Censorship: Qin practiced total censorship. He persecuted scholars and destroyed books. He defined useless books as any book about anything except books about medicine, agriculture, or prophecy. Useless books were burned. Over 400 scholars who refused about anything except books about medicine, agriculture, or prophecy. Useless books were burned. Over 400 scholars who refused to turn in books were either buried alive or sent to work on the wall. Qin did not believe in any education for the common man. to turn in books were either buried alive or sent to work on the wall. Qin did not believe in any education for the common man. According to Qin, the more time people spent studying, the less time they had to grow food. He especially disliked the teachings of According to Qin, the more time people spent studying, the less time they had to grow food. He especially disliked the teachings of Confucius. He had all Confucius' books burned.Confucius. He had all Confucius' books burned.

Qin did not think his rule was cruel. He said, "A thousand may die so that a million may live." He built roads, canals, and bridges. Qin did not think his rule was cruel. He said, "A thousand may die so that a million may live." He built roads, canals, and bridges. His public works projects probably saved millions of lives that would have been lost to floods and famine. Although many people His public works projects probably saved millions of lives that would have been lost to floods and famine. Although many people died building the Great Wall, it did provide an advantage in war. No rebellion occurred during his rule. He died in 210 BCE. Once died building the Great Wall, it did provide an advantage in war. No rebellion occurred during his rule. He died in 210 BCE. Once he was dead, his son took over. His son did not rule for long. People revolted again the Qin government all over the countryside. The he was dead, his son took over. His son did not rule for long. People revolted again the Qin government all over the countryside. The peasant who led that revolt became the new emperor. His dynasty was called the Han Dynasty. Life vastly improved during the Han peasant who led that revolt became the new emperor. His dynasty was called the Han Dynasty. Life vastly improved during the Han

Dynasty.Dynasty.

Spy System: To make sure everyone did their job correctly, First Emperor Qin set up a spy system. People had to spy on each other - Spy System: To make sure everyone did their job correctly, First Emperor Qin set up a spy system. People had to spy on each other - it was the law. People had to spy on each at work and at home in their neighborhood or village. If people turned in lawbreakers, they it was the law. People had to spy on each at work and at home in their neighborhood or village. If people turned in lawbreakers, they were rewarded. If they did not, they were executed. It was a simple system, and it worked very well. This organization system gave were rewarded. If they did not, they were executed. It was a simple system, and it worked very well. This organization system gave Qin great power. That power allowed him to make huge changes. Qin knew that to unify China there had to be big changes. Most of Qin great power. That power allowed him to make huge changes. Qin knew that to unify China there had to be big changes. Most of his laws had something to do with protection. his laws had something to do with protection.

Changes: Changes: Land: First Emperor Qin took land away from the nobles. He did not want the nobles rising up against him. Anyone who argued with Land: First Emperor Qin took land away from the nobles. He did not want the nobles rising up against him. Anyone who argued with

Qin was either buried alive or put to work building the Great Wall.Qin was either buried alive or put to work building the Great Wall. Standardization: He introduced one system of weights, measures, money, written language, and laws. Nobody argued with him. Standardization: He introduced one system of weights, measures, money, written language, and laws. Nobody argued with him. Law Code: He introduced a new law code that applied to everybody. He created a huge law enforcement group, whose job was to Law Code: He introduced a new law code that applied to everybody. He created a huge law enforcement group, whose job was to

enforce the laws. enforce the laws. Peasants: Peasants were assigned a job. They were either assigned the job of farmer or of silk maker. It they tried to do anything else Peasants: Peasants were assigned a job. They were either assigned the job of farmer or of silk maker. It they tried to do anything else

besides their assigned job, they were sent to work on the Great Wall. If people were lazy or slow at doing their assigned job, they besides their assigned job, they were sent to work on the Great Wall. If people were lazy or slow at doing their assigned job, they were sent to work on the wall. were sent to work on the wall.

Censorship: Qin practiced total censorship. He persecuted scholars and destroyed books. He defined useless books as any book Censorship: Qin practiced total censorship. He persecuted scholars and destroyed books. He defined useless books as any book about anything except books about medicine, agriculture, or prophecy. Useless books were burned. Over 400 scholars who refused about anything except books about medicine, agriculture, or prophecy. Useless books were burned. Over 400 scholars who refused to turn in books were either buried alive or sent to work on the wall. Qin did not believe in any education for the common man. to turn in books were either buried alive or sent to work on the wall. Qin did not believe in any education for the common man. According to Qin, the more time people spent studying, the less time they had to grow food. He especially disliked the teachings of According to Qin, the more time people spent studying, the less time they had to grow food. He especially disliked the teachings of Confucius. He had all Confucius' books burned.Confucius. He had all Confucius' books burned.

Qin did not think his rule was cruel. He said, "A thousand may die so that a million may live." He built roads, canals, and bridges. Qin did not think his rule was cruel. He said, "A thousand may die so that a million may live." He built roads, canals, and bridges. His public works projects probably saved millions of lives that would have been lost to floods and famine. Although many people His public works projects probably saved millions of lives that would have been lost to floods and famine. Although many people died building the Great Wall, it did provide an advantage in war. No rebellion occurred during his rule. He died in 210 BCE. Once died building the Great Wall, it did provide an advantage in war. No rebellion occurred during his rule. He died in 210 BCE. Once he was dead, his son took over. His son did not rule for long. People revolted again the Qin government all over the countryside. The he was dead, his son took over. His son did not rule for long. People revolted again the Qin government all over the countryside. The peasant who led that revolt became the new emperor. His dynasty was called the Han Dynasty. Life vastly improved during the Han peasant who led that revolt became the new emperor. His dynasty was called the Han Dynasty. Life vastly improved during the Han

Dynasty.Dynasty.

Han rulesHan rulesHan rulesHan rules This was not the Golden Age of China, but life was very good

for many of the people because of the demand for Chinese silk. The creation of the "silk road" - the trade routes across the fierce deserts - allowed trade to flourish more easily with the Roman Empire. People bonded together into one civilization during Han times. They had a common culture. Even in remote sections, district officials copied the manner of the imperial court. Peasants built homes and plowed their fields in the same way all over China. Han writing tells us little about their daily life. Han tombs, however, tell us quite a lot. The Hans buried clay models of their homes and belongings, in their tombs. Models included details like little clay furniture and little bronze oil lamps.

This was not the Golden Age of China, but life was very good for many of the people because of the demand for Chinese silk. The creation of the "silk road" - the trade routes across the fierce deserts - allowed trade to flourish more easily with the Roman Empire. People bonded together into one civilization during Han times. They had a common culture. Even in remote sections, district officials copied the manner of the imperial court. Peasants built homes and plowed their fields in the same way all over China. Han writing tells us little about their daily life. Han tombs, however, tell us quite a lot. The Hans buried clay models of their homes and belongings, in their tombs. Models included details like little clay furniture and little bronze oil lamps.

Han landHan land The Arts & Sciences: So much was lost during the book burnings of the Qin Dynasty. The Han people tried very hard to replace the literature that was lost

during Qin times, especially the works of Confucius.They created new works of literature and music. Beautiful murals were painted on the walls of palaces. Scroll painting began. Craftsmen made jade jewelry and carvings, gold ornaments and belt hooks, delicate paintings with wire thin brush strokes. Iron was used for making plows and other cast iron objects. Glazed pottery was brightly painted with lively hunting scenes, mountains, trees, clouds, dragons, tigers, and bears. Their medicine was advanced. They invented acupuncture. Their science was also advanced. During Han times, these ancient people invented paper. They also invented an instrument that told them when an earthquake was happening, somewhere in the Empire, so they could send troops and food to help. Public Schools: One of the Han emperors (Emperor Wudi), around 100 CE, agreed with Confucius that education was the key to good government. He started a system of public schools, for boys only, taught by Confucian teachers. The teachings of Confucius were nationally honored. Schools were set up in each providence. There was a major school, called the Grand School, in the capital. In the beginning, only 50 students were allowed to study at the Grand School. In less than 100 years, enrollment at the Grand School was over 30,000 students. Jobs: Jobs were given to educated people, as well as nobles. People were paid for their work. Life in the Cities: Only about 10% of the population (1 out of 10 people) lived in the cities. Cities were neatly laid out with main streets and alleyways. Each city was surrounded by a strong wall, made of earth and stone. As cities are today, the ancient Han cities were centers of government, education, and trade. Most marketplaces, throughout the city, had free entertainment. Musicians played bells, drums, and string instruments, and jugglers and acrobats performed. The Poor: The poor lived in houses packed together. They had very little food, and little to no sanitation. Many of the young males joined street gangs. Gangs wore distinctive clothes and armor, that identified their gang. Teen gangs roamed the cities, terrorizing people. The Rich: The rich rushed to imitate the imperial palace. They built elaborate homes, decorated with drapery, and cashmere carpets. They furnished family tombs with stone lions. On the lions, and on other sculpture, they added inscriptions mentioning how much each item had cost! The rich lived in comfortable, large houses with many rooms and fireplaces. Each home was built around a central courtyard. They had elaborately carved furniture that showed Greek and Roman influence, and painted stuccoed walls with floral designs. Other walls were left bare to display paintings or bronze mirrors. Dinner was elaborate. Kids were tutored in science, math, literature, art, religion, and music. Some studied in their homes, and some at the home of their tutor. The rich did not use the public schools. They wore belted robes with long sleeves lined with silk. When it was cold, they wore warm fur coats, made of squirrel and fox skins and leather slippers. Merchants & Craftsmen: As in Shang times, merchants were hardly recognized as men. Once the canals were built, some merchants and craftsmen became rich. A really successful merchant might ride in a cart with a coachman, buy a title from an emperor, and built a mansion surrounded by pools and gardens. This absolutely infuriated officials and peasants. (The merchants didn't till the soil. They weren't nobles. There ought to be a law, to stop them from doing this, and for a while, there was a law, forbidding them from riding in carts and chariots.) Life in the Country: Country folk were farmers. They lived in one or two story mud houses with tiled or thatched roofs. They had curtains on the windows. Barns and other buildings surrounded the house. Several families lived in one house to allow them to work their fields together. They still did not own their farms, but farms were larger in size, because families had learned to team up. This solved a major problem. Together, they were able to produce more food, some years, than they needed, which allowed them to trade food for other items. They still worked very hard. They went to bed at dark and got up at dawn. They dressed in simple clothes. Both men and women wore shirts and pants made of scratchy cloth, and sandals made of straw. They stuffed their clothes with paper and cloth, to stay warm in the winter. They steamed much of their food over boiling water on stoves. In the south, they ate rice, steamed dumplings, and fish, flavored with garlic and onions. In the north, they ate much the same, only they ate wheat instead of rice.

The Arts & Sciences: So much was lost during the book burnings of the Qin Dynasty. The Han people tried very hard to replace the literature that was lost during Qin times, especially the works of Confucius.They created new works of literature and music. Beautiful murals were painted on the walls of palaces. Scroll painting began. Craftsmen made jade jewelry and carvings, gold ornaments and belt hooks, delicate paintings with wire thin brush strokes. Iron was used for making plows and other cast iron objects. Glazed pottery was brightly painted with lively hunting scenes, mountains, trees, clouds, dragons, tigers, and bears. Their medicine was advanced. They invented acupuncture. Their science was also advanced. During Han times, these ancient people invented paper. They also invented an instrument that told them when an earthquake was happening, somewhere in the Empire, so they could send troops and food to help. Public Schools: One of the Han emperors (Emperor Wudi), around 100 CE, agreed with Confucius that education was the key to good government. He started a system of public schools, for boys only, taught by Confucian teachers. The teachings of Confucius were nationally honored. Schools were set up in each providence. There was a major school, called the Grand School, in the capital. In the beginning, only 50 students were allowed to study at the Grand School. In less than 100 years, enrollment at the Grand School was over 30,000 students. Jobs: Jobs were given to educated people, as well as nobles. People were paid for their work. Life in the Cities: Only about 10% of the population (1 out of 10 people) lived in the cities. Cities were neatly laid out with main streets and alleyways. Each city was surrounded by a strong wall, made of earth and stone. As cities are today, the ancient Han cities were centers of government, education, and trade. Most marketplaces, throughout the city, had free entertainment. Musicians played bells, drums, and string instruments, and jugglers and acrobats performed. The Poor: The poor lived in houses packed together. They had very little food, and little to no sanitation. Many of the young males joined street gangs. Gangs wore distinctive clothes and armor, that identified their gang. Teen gangs roamed the cities, terrorizing people. The Rich: The rich rushed to imitate the imperial palace. They built elaborate homes, decorated with drapery, and cashmere carpets. They furnished family tombs with stone lions. On the lions, and on other sculpture, they added inscriptions mentioning how much each item had cost! The rich lived in comfortable, large houses with many rooms and fireplaces. Each home was built around a central courtyard. They had elaborately carved furniture that showed Greek and Roman influence, and painted stuccoed walls with floral designs. Other walls were left bare to display paintings or bronze mirrors. Dinner was elaborate. Kids were tutored in science, math, literature, art, religion, and music. Some studied in their homes, and some at the home of their tutor. The rich did not use the public schools. They wore belted robes with long sleeves lined with silk. When it was cold, they wore warm fur coats, made of squirrel and fox skins and leather slippers. Merchants & Craftsmen: As in Shang times, merchants were hardly recognized as men. Once the canals were built, some merchants and craftsmen became rich. A really successful merchant might ride in a cart with a coachman, buy a title from an emperor, and built a mansion surrounded by pools and gardens. This absolutely infuriated officials and peasants. (The merchants didn't till the soil. They weren't nobles. There ought to be a law, to stop them from doing this, and for a while, there was a law, forbidding them from riding in carts and chariots.) Life in the Country: Country folk were farmers. They lived in one or two story mud houses with tiled or thatched roofs. They had curtains on the windows. Barns and other buildings surrounded the house. Several families lived in one house to allow them to work their fields together. They still did not own their farms, but farms were larger in size, because families had learned to team up. This solved a major problem. Together, they were able to produce more food, some years, than they needed, which allowed them to trade food for other items. They still worked very hard. They went to bed at dark and got up at dawn. They dressed in simple clothes. Both men and women wore shirts and pants made of scratchy cloth, and sandals made of straw. They stuffed their clothes with paper and cloth, to stay warm in the winter. They steamed much of their food over boiling water on stoves. In the south, they ate rice, steamed dumplings, and fish, flavored with garlic and onions. In the north, they ate much the same, only they ate wheat instead of rice.

There is so much more I can tell you about ancient ChinaSo many more good and bad emperors more wars and famine But that’s it .