Ancient China: Dynasties and Geography

• Study notes for students
• Ensuring they are unique but factually accurate
• Concise but engaging, avoid repeating information and words
• All key facts, figures, and entities included
• Writing in English
• Translate if necessary

Ancient China

• The Yellow River (Huang He), Yangtze River (Chang Jiang), and the Xi Jiang River are three main rivers in China
• The Himalayas and the Gobi Desert are natural barriers; the Great Wall is a human-made barrier
• The Mandate of Heaven is the belief that the ruler/emperor is chosen by heaven to rule

Rise and Fall of Chinese Dynasties Cycle

• A new dynasty gains power, then problems like war, invasions, and high taxes arise
• Corruption, floods, droughts, and famine occur, leading to the poor losing respect and rebelling
• The Emperor is defeated, and the cycle repeats

Shang Dynasty

• Lasted around 600 years promoting economic and cultural stability with flourishing innovations
• The first to leave written records inventing writing and referred to as the "Golden Age"
• Bronze tools and weapons were used; key leaders include Cheng Tang, Wu Ding, and Di Xin

Zhou Dynasty

• The longest Chinese dynasty, foundational for Chinese philosophy including the first writings of Taoism
• A shift from bronze to iron use and ended due to the "Warring States Period"
• Key leaders include Confucius, Lao Tzu, King Wen, and King Wu

Qin Dynasty

• Marked the first unified empire of China but was the shortest dynasty lasting only 15 years
• Significant architectural advancements include the Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors
• Qin Shi Huang Di was the first ruler to be called "emperor"

Han Dynasty

• Another "Golden Age" with science, technology, and culture advancements
• The establishment of the Silk Road made trade flourish, and Confucianism became the official religion
• Lui Bang and Emperor Wu Di were key leaders

Sui Dynasty

• Known for unifying China after a long period of division with the construction of the Grand Canal
• Key leaders include Emperor Wen and Emperor Yang

Tang Dynasty

• Significant stability with flourishing culture and expansive trade known as the greatest
• Emperor Taizong and Empress Wu Zetian (first empress) were key leaders

Song Dynasty

• Introduced the first paper money and experienced military and economic growth
• Key leaders include Emperor Taizu, Emperor Taizong, and Zhao Jiaming

Yuan Dynasty

• Unified China under Mongol rule and expanded the Grand Canal
• Marco Polo visited China, with two failed attempts to invade Japan
• Kublai Khan and Toghon Temur were important figures

Ming Dynasty

• Marked by the collapse of Mongol rule and the refurbishment of the Great Wall
• The economy flourished with increased trade and maritime expeditions
• Ended due to an invasion of the Manchu, with Zhu Yuanzhang, Yongle, and Zheng He as key leaders

Qing Dynasty

• Founded by the Manchu and was the last dynasty with emperors where Chinese territory reached its greatest extent
• Experienced many wars/conflicts with Western powers
• Key leaders include Qianlong, Yongzheng, and Kangxi

Republic of China

• The first dynasty without emperors and a republic government resulting in war, conflict, and chaos
• Key leaders include Sun Yat-sen (first president) and Yuan Shikai

Mao Zeodong Era (People's Republic of China)

• Founded in 1949 by Mao Zeodong who also founded the Chinese Communist Party and continues to present day
• Key leaders include Mao Zeodong, Jiang Zemin, and Xi Jinping

Achievements of Qin Shi Huangdi

• Unified China, constructed the Great Wall to protect from invasion
• Had the Terracotta Warriors constructed for his afterlife

Achievements of the Han Dynasty

• The seismograph was invented, which detects earthquakes by recording ground vibrations and seismic waves
• The sundial was invented which is the earliest timekeeping device that measures time by the position of the sun's shadow

The Han Dynasty Contributions to Military Advancements

• Greatest impact due to its long reign, resulting in a strong, powerful government and military
• Advanced weapons and tactics strengthened the military, such as the use of crossbows

Importance of the Silk Road

• Facilitated the exchange of art, music, artisan crafts, jewelry, clothing, pottery, and fabrics
• Cultural beliefs and ideas were exchanged, influencing the cultures of countries involved

Cultural Impact of the Silk Road

• Goods like silk, spices, pottery, and animals were traded across continents, influencing modern imports and exports
• Tools, military weapons, navigation tools, gunpowder, and paper were traded, spreading practices like irrigation
• Religions, philosophies, and beliefs spread, impacting China's main religion

Confucianism

• Originated in the Zhou Dynasty by Confucius
• Emphasizes respect for elders, focus on education, and adherence to rules
• Consists of 5 relationships: parent & child, elder & younger sibling, husband & wife, friend & friend, and ruler & subject

Taoism

• Founded by Lao Tzu in the Zhou Dynasty
• Focuses on connecting with nature, pursuing happiness, balance, and rejecting strict rules
• Represented by the yin and yang, and guided by the 3 Jewels: Compassion, Humility, and Moderation

Buddhism

• Founded by Siddhattha Gautama in India
• Traveled to China during the Han Dynasty but became widespread until the Tang Dynasty
• Emphasizes living independently, meditation, and detachment from worldly desires

Buddhism continued

• Guided by the Four Noble Truths: life is suffering, suffering is caused by desire, desire can be overcome, Eightfold Path
• Three Jewels: Buddha, dharma, and sangha.
• Five Precepts: avoid harming living beings, avoid taking what is not freely given, live decently, avoid unkind speech, and avoid alcohol/drugs

Qin Shi Huangdi's Rule

• A Chinese Legalist and China's first emperor who unified China
• Standardized Chinese writing and currency, constructed the Great Wall
• Built/improved trade routes & canals, unified China, enforced Legalism and died of mercury poisoning

Lui Bang

• An emperor in the Han Dynasty who improved books and arithmetic

Emperor Wudi

• An emperor in the Han Dynasty who popularized Confucianism and made it a required law

Please note

• While Confucius was alive he was unpopular with few believers and Confucianism did not became widespread until after his death

Indus River Valley

• Land between two rivers with two sources of water
• First civilization to develop irrigation and strict code of laws like Hammurabi's code

Ancient civilisation of Egypt

• Polytheistic religion with multiple Gods & Goddesses
• Ruled by pharaohs
• Known for advanced architecture (pyramids, the Great Sphinx, tombs)

Ancient Indus Valley

• Grid layout organization for cities
• Known for its sewage systems
• Traded with Mesopotamia

Characteristics of the Indus People

• Skilled people who built well-thought-out cities with complex drainage and water systems
• They were skilled craftsmen who enjoyed making pottery and jewelry

Everyday Life in the Indus Valley

• Consisted of leisure, working, and playing and had jobs jewelry making, pottery making, and farming
• Enjoyed board games with dice, while children played on flat roofs and went to school based on status

Theories as to what happened to people of the Indus Valley

• Theories include famine and drought due to lack of resources after Mesopotamia's downfall
• Another includes climate change played a significant part due to summer monsoons and the final theory is Invasion by the Aaryans

Social Hierarchy of the Indus River Valley

• Bhramins (Priests)
• Kshatryias (Warriors and rulers)
• Vaishya (Merchants and landowners)
• Sudra (Commoners, peasants, and servants)
• Untouchables (Outcasts and street sweepers)

Maurya Empire

• Founded by Chandragupta Maurya, who expanded it westward
• Ashoka, Chandragupta's grandson, converted the empire to Buddhism

Gupta Empire

• Considered the "Golden Age" with expansions, flourishing culture, art, science, advancements in math, astronomy, literature, and architecture
• Leaders include Chandragupta I and Samudragupta where the empire declined due to invasions and economic and political pressures

Jainism

• Believes the universe is eternal and does not believe in any God
• Practices include meditation to purify the soul

Sikhism

• Believes in one God; Ik Onkaar
• Practices include prayer and community service
• Believes in equality and service to all

Ashoka

• An Indian emperor and third King of the Maurya Empire, promoting Buddhism and non-violence

Candragupta Maurya

• The first emperor to unify most of India and founded the Maurya Empire

Candragupta II

• A ruler in the Gupta Empire known for expanding the empire through military conquests
• He is associated with the "Golden Age" due to his contributions to art and literature

Metallurgy in Ancient India

• Gave ancient Indians an advantage by enabling advanced tools and weapons for agriculture/military
• Trade opportunities increased as tools were prized along the Silk Road

Hindu-Arabic Numerals

• Provided an efficient number system contributing to mathematics, science, and algebra

Inoculation in Ancient India

• Helped against diseases like smallpox and lowered mortality rates

Early Indian Medicine

• Early Indian medical knowledge blended science with belief systems due to the need to stay healthy
• Cleanliness to ensure entry to the afterlife also contributed to lower death and sickness rates

Early Indian Astronomy

• The Indian people had a complex understanding of the stars, the Earth being round, and eclipses
• They used astronomical findings to look at charts and analyze omens