Ancient China

By : Kaopoon( Histories )

IntroductionIn ancient times China was a very different civilization. Ancient China lasted over 5000 years, which was longer than any other civilization. Ancient China was the area that is now the western half of China . Ancient China is interesting because it gave us great inventions that are still important today. This report it about the architecture, food, leisure and legacies of ancient China.

ArchitectureOne of the most important features of Ancient China’s architecture is the Great Wall. The Great Wall was built to protect the dynasties. The first Emperor Qin wanted much better rocks to protect his people from the Mongol invaders to the north. He wanted a strong wall 30 feet wide and 50 feet high. It took 3000 people to make the great wall and the ancient Chinese worked on it 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 rocks. Still, people today are amazed by the Great Wall as a piece of architecture.

FoodThe Ancient Chinese people ate a variety of foods. The poor people ate meat sometimes, but not often. They hunted to eat wild animals or ate chickens that did not lay eggs. But mostly, the poor people ate bland rice and beans. Rich people ate many kinds of meat such as pork, chicken, lamb, goose, dogs, snails, small bird and snake. In the south people ate mainly rice. In the north, people ate cereal called millet and some breads. In Ancient China, people used chopsticks to eat and they used their hands, too. As you can see, the food people ate in Ancient China depended on whether they were rich or poor, and where they lived.

LeisureLeisure activities were important to the ancient Chinese people. Everyone loved hunting, soccer and playing with cards. People often told stories or wrote letters to each other. Poor people listened to musicians and acrobats who performed in the streets. Many of these leisure activities can still be seen in China today.

LegaciesThe ancient Chinese made 4 great inventions that are important legacies: the compass, gunpowder, paper and printing. The compass and it was invented in 200 BC. The Chinese found that when a magnetic rock floats in the water or hangs from a string, it points north. They used this to make sure the houses faced the right way. China’s first compass was like a spoon that spun around. The compass was important for trade by ship. The ancient Chinese also were the first to make gunpowder but they started with a firebomb. They used fireworks to scare their enemies. Paper was invented in 100 CE. The fibers from a plant called hemp were soaked [put in the water] until it was mushy pulp. Then used a wooden frame with fine mesh to lift a layer of pulp. When it was dry, it was good for writing on. The Chinese began using woodblocks for printing in 1600 BCE. First, the wood blocks were carved with characters, then dipped in ink then paper was put on the blocks. A very fast way to make books is to use bamboo. Printing machines are still used to make books today. The four great inventions of ancient China are important legacies for the world.

Conclusion Ancient China was a great civilization because of the legacies and inventions that help us today. One of the most important features of Ancient China’s architecture is the Great Wall. Leisure activities were important to the ancient Chinese people, too. The Ancient Chinese people ate a variety of foods. It is interesting to learn about ancient history.

Reference ListAuthor Date TitleJane Shuter 1997-2007 The Ancient China

Paul Challen 2005 Life in Ancient China

Joanna Bruce Degen 2005 Ms. Frizzle’s adventures IMPERIAL CHINA

Robert Nicholson 1994 Ancient China

Claire Watts Anita Caner 1999 Ancient China

Date accessed Website

25.10.12 www.brainpopjr.com