Ancient ChinaBy Professor Jermaine Chan

Introduction

In ancient times China was a very different civilization. Ancient China lasted over 5000 year. It lasted longer than any other civilization. The Ancient Chinese lived in the area that is now the western half of China . Ancient China had many different styles of clothes and a lot of interesting foods. Architecture, such as the Great Wall, was very unique. The inventions and legacies of ancient China are still around and important to us today. You will read about these aspects of Ancient China in this report.

Architecture

One of the most famous pieces of Ancient Chinese architecture was the Great Wall. The wall is 3,700 km long and between 16 feet and 32 feet high. It took 1700 years and 30,000 people to build the Great Wall. It was built to protect China from the Mongols in the north.

People’s houses in ancient China depended on whether they were rich or poor. Poor people lived in houses built of mud. The house was built with dirt floors and blankets were hung over the windows and door to keep the people warm in Winter. Rich people lived in house that are built around courtyards. The wood was painted with color and people owned pottery, chairs and cupboards. Most architecture in ancient China had curved roofs to keep evil spirits away.

Food

In Ancient China, food was different according to where people lived. In the south they ate rice. In the north, people ate noodles because it was easier to grow wheat. They also ate chicken , pork and bean curd. Ancient Chinese people enjoyed pancakes, dumplings, lamb and duck. Poor people went out to hunt for food such as snakes , dogs , snails , and small birds. They also ate chilli, pepper , mushroom , bamboo and lots of different fish too. Rich people ate ox ,mutton and special dishes such as bird’s nest soup. Most people ate with their fingers and with chopsticks, too .

Clothing

In Ancient China, the most important cloth is silk because it was expensive and thin. The rich people wore many different colors of silk and many types of jewelry. They also wear robes that were made from silk. Only the emperor could wear a yellow shirt with a dragon. In ancient China, the poor women wore simple dresses made from wool and cotton. Poor men wore loose shirts made from hemp. Poor people also wore shoes made from straw to work in the fields. Rich men wore official dress and warm jackets in winter. As you can see, clothing in ancient China depended on your wealth.

LegaciesIn 200 B.C., the Chinese found that magnetic rocks will turn to point north in water or when they are hung from string. This was the first compass to show direction. The compass was an important invention or trade.

Paper making was invented around 100 C.E.. Paper was made from bamboo which was soaked in water. A wooden frame took it up and let it dry. Then it was good for writing.

Gun powder was invented in 9th century was discovered by a scientist who was trying to make a drink that could make you live forever. It exploded! It was made from salt, peter, sulphur and carbon. Fireworks were used to scare their enemies and then gun powder was used in weapons. It is still used in bombs, guns and rockets today.

The Chinese began using wood blocks for printing in 1600 B.C.E.. The wood blocks were carved with characters. People put ink on the characters and then put paper on the blocks. Printing machines help us make books today.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ancient China was a very old and long-lasting civilization. It is interesting to about the food, architecture, clothing and 4 great legacies from the ancient times.

Reference List

Author Date Title

Jane Shuter 2007 The Ancient China

Paul Challen 2005 Life in Ancient China

Joanna Cole 2005 Ms. Frizz’s Adventure Imperial China

Robert Nicholson 1994 Ancient China

& Claire Wattls

Anita Ganeri 1994 Legacies From Ancient China

Date Accessed Website

25/10/2012 www.brainpopjr.com