Ancient China

The 4 Old-World River Valley

Cultures

Early China

• The Chinese lived in isolation from the rest of the world

• Middle Kingdom

• Less break between RVC and Classical in China

Geography

• 3 Major rivers –Huang He (Yellow River)–Yangtze–Xi Jiang

Geography

• Developed along the Huang He (Yellow River) – WHY???

• Flooding

Partner Discussion

• Given what we have learned with the previous three RVCs, what might you conclude the Yellow River’s flooding led the Chinese to do?

Irrigation Systems

Four Thousand Years of Civilization• Chinese civilization

• Many Technologies

Dynasties• Dynasties – Definition

• Dynastic Cycle – Pattern

Shang Rule: c.1500 – 1100 B.C.E.

• The Shang Dynasty (1500 to 1100 B.C.E. )

• Thirty kings

Shang Religion • The Shang were polytheistic

• Ancestor Veneration• Significance

• Harmonious Connection Between Humans and Nature

The Zhou Dynasty c.1046–256 B.C.E

• Overthrow of the Shang 1046 B.C.E.

• Zhou Dynasty–Claim Mandate

of Heaven–What is this???

Mandate of Heaven

• Definition

• Importance

Zhou Expansion

• The Zhou set up…

• This led to…

Zhou Regional Rulers

• Ruled by regional rulers– Who were they?

• Peasants…

• Feudal…

Noblemen Grew in Power

• This form of government…

• However…

• Why??

Discussion Question

•What do you suspect the increased power of the regional rulers meant for the Zhou Dynasty?

Warring States• Zhou fight a

rebellion in 771 B.C.E– Result

• Competing interests

Science and Technology

• By about 2000 B.C.E • Tools • Well Developed… • Military Technology:– Horses– Fortifications

Science and Technology• Advanced

astronomy• Lack monumental

building– Why???– Some tombs

The Beginning of writing in China…

•Pictographs

Sun Moon Water

eventuallydeveloped into…

•Ideographs

•Developed into…

Modern Chinese characters Calligraphy ~ artistic writing

Trade and Interaction

• Overland Trade• Contact with Nomadic peoples– Northwest

• Effect:– Positive– Negative