Ancient China

Ancient History 10

What dynasties do you know from China?

List of Dynasties • Xia • Shang• Zhou• Laozi• Mencius• Qin• Han• Tang • Song• Mongols• Ming

Xia(shah) 2000- 1500 BCE

• China’s 1st dynasty • Not much is known about this dynasty • They were overthrown by the Shang dynasty

Shang Dynasty

• Arts flourished – Figures, religious objects, weapons were made

from Bronze.

• Writing was developed • Social structure (differences between nobles

and peasants)• Longest dynasty in Chinese history

Zhou Dynasty

• Centered around western China• Known for the fighter: Duke Fa later become

known as Wu Wang become the first ruler.• Longest dynasty in Chinese history• Feudal system emerged under these rulers.• War was a larger part of this dynasty

Zhou

• War did not deter learning • Development of ideas flourished during this

era.• Great teachers of this time were: – Laozi, Confusius & Mencius

Qin(Chin) Dynasty

• Military leaders gained so much power they overthrow the Zhou Kings

• One of the most powerful kingdoms • Around 221BCE they took control• There leader was Shi Huangdi• China’s 1st emperor

Han Dynasty

• Revolt broke out under Shi Huangdi’s • 5 years later Han dynasty established as the

ruling family• Confusions teaching • Liu Bang= emperor. He returned formal traditions • Emphasis on education – Government officials (Confusions laws)– Development of trade – Decline= invasions and high taxes

Tang Dynasty 618- 907 CE

• Golden Age began.• Ambassadors from other countries came:– Byzantium, Muslim lands and India

• Trade prospered in silk and porcelain • Art of War was the marvel of Asia and the

Middle East• Xian = center or trade, commerce, technology

and temples • Ended with a series of rebellions

Song Dynasty 960 -1279CE

• Golden Age continued • Invasions from the North by the Mongols • The Mongol leader = Genghis Khan united the

Mongols

Mongols

• Later Khubai Khan defeated the Song rulers established the city in Beijing

• Created the Yuan Dynasty (1st foreign rulers)• Marco Polo

Ming Dynasty 1368- 1644 CE

• Ming = glorious • Buddhist monk named Hong Wu led the army

drove the Mongols out • Ming restored China’s pride after being ruled

by outsiders Ming emphasized on isolation