Ancient China: Geography and Dynasties

• Bodies of water surrounding China include the Yellow Sea, East China Sea, and the Pacific Ocean, all located east of China.
• The Gobi Desert and the Yellow River (Huang He River) are located north of China.
• The Taklimakan Desert, Himalayas, Pamir Mountains, and Tian Shan mountain ranges are west of China.
• The Chang Jiang River, or Yangtze River, is in central China.
• Farming communities evolved into cities around 2000 BCE.
• Shang kings controlled these cities and established a dynasty.
• Respect for families and ancestors were fundamental to Shang culture.
• Oracle bones were used to ask questions to Shangdi, a deity.
• Priests inscribed questions on animal bones or tortoise shells, representing an early form of writing.

Zhou Dynasty and Philosophies

• The Zhou dynasty overthrew the Shang Dynasty.
• The Zhou Dynasty is known for the philosophies of Taoism and Confucianism.
• Dynasties operate in a cycle.
• The Zhou dynasty lacked a strong central government.
• Zhou family members appointed lords, which led to infighting.
• This period of infighting is known as the "Time of the Warring States."
• Advanced technologies emerged during the Bronze Age, including the use of cast iron and bronze for tools and weapons.
• Han Fei, Confucius, and Lao-Tzu coined the philosophies legalism, confucianism, and taoism respectively.
• Confucius stated that the strength of the nation comes from the integrity of the home; strong family values are important.
• Taoism focuses on letting go of one's self to make room for growth.
• Legalism emphasizes the need for structure via rules of law to have a successful nation.

Confucianism and the Qin Dynasty

• China fell into chaos during the Zhou dynasty.
• Confucius, a teacher and government official, believed Chinese society was collapsing due to conflict.
• Confucianism outlines five key relationships: father and son, older and younger brother, husband and wife, ruler and subject.
• Confucius promoted education, family unity, and filial piety.
• Despite feeling like he failed, Confucius’ students compiled his teachings into a book called the Analects.
• Confucianism has influenced millions and has served as a unifying force in Chinese culture.
• The Qin dynasty unified China, strengthened imperial power, and implemented standardized systems.
• The dynasty built highways and irrigation projects.
• Weights, coins, writing, and measures were standardized.
• Shi Huangdi, a legalistic leader of the Qin dynasty, attempted to suppress Confucian teachings.
• The Great Wall of China was constructed along the northern border during the Qin dynasty.
• Most of the Great Wall is unrestored.
• Contrary to popular belief, the Great Wall is not visible from space.
• Glutinous rice flour was used to bind the bricks together to make the wall.
• The Great Wall was largely built by the Ming dynasty.
• The Great Wall is in a state of erosion.
• The Terracotta Warriors, created over 2000 years ago, are located near the tomb of the Qin dynasty's leader.

Belief Systems

• Ancient Chinese believed in the afterlife.
• Human sacrifices were common when lords and leaders died.
• The terracotta warriors were coated with a special mixture to prevent decay.
• Lao-Tzu founded Daoism.
• Daoism focuses on achieving harmony with nature, seeking balance in life.
• Legalism, led by Han Fei, emphasized order through law and a strong central government.
• The Qin dynasty embraced legalistic ideals.

Han Dynasty

• The Han dynasty defeated the Qin.
• Liu Bang was the leader of the Han Dynasty.
• The Han Dynasty promoted Confucianism.
• Empress Lu led the dynasty for a time.
• The Han dynasty ruled for 422 years.
• Emperor Wudi expanded the empire, almost to the size of modern China.
• Common people lived simple lives as farmers in mud houses.
• Han cities were bustling hubs of business, entertainment, and even street gangs.

Inventions and Trade

• Ancient China invented the plow, collar harness for horses, wheelbarrow, and watermill.
• Paper was invented in the year 105.
• Silk was highly valued.
• Cast iron production involved heating iron and pouring it into molds.
• The Silk Roads were trade routes connecting China to Europe.
• Chinese silk was in high demand during the Han dynasty.
• Cultural exchange occurred along with goods.
• Grapes, honey, spices, ivory, pottery, and rugs/blankets were traded
• Buddhism spread to China, Japan, and Korea.

Explore China's geographical features, including the Yellow Sea, Gobi Desert, and Himalayas. Learn about the Shang and Zhou dynasties, ancestor worship, oracle bones, and the philosophies of Taoism and Confucianism.