Ancient China

• Existed more than 500,000 years ago• Before Sumerians were settling

Mesopotamia, Chinese farming settlements were developing along rivers

What is the difference between a settlement and a civilization?

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Hint: Refer to “Civilization” notes.

What was the geography of Ancient China?

• Surrounded by natural barriers:–Gobi Desert–Taklimakan Desert–Himalayas –Plateau of Tibet (icy) –Mongolian Plateau–Borders the ocean

Gobi Desert

Taklimakan Desert

Himalayas

Plateau of Tibet

Mongolian Plateau

Borders the Ocean

What Were the River Systems?• Two major rivers:–Huang He River (“Yellow River”) – Northern

China– Yangtze River – Central China – Loess: yellow silt

What Were the Environmental Challenges?

• Devastating floods – “China’s Sorrow”• No/limited trade• Constant northwest invasions

How Did the Environment Aide Civilization?

• Between two rivers – North China Plain – was very suitable for farming

• Fertile soil, water supply

What Were the First Dynasties?

• Xia Dynasty – First Chinese Dynasty –Controlled floods, took advantage of

rivers• Shang Dynasty – First Chinese Dynasty to

have written records–Major City: Anyang—built of wood

Anyang

• City walls protected higher classes• Peasants, craftspeople lived in huts outside

the city • Frequently at war

What Do the Indus, Egypt, China, and Mesopotamia Have in Common?

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