Ancient China: Terracotta Army and Zhou Dynasty

Study Notes

Reunification of China: Pivotal in the establishment of strong centralized states and cultural unity following periods of fragmentation.
Grand Canal Construction: Facilitated trade and transportation across different regions, promoting economic integration.
Confucian Thought:
- Central concepts: ren (humaneness), yi (righteousness), li (propriety).
- Advocates five key relationships for a structured society: ruler-subject, father-son, husband-wife, elder brother-younger brother, friend-friend.

Traditionally recognized as the first Chinese dynasty, credited to Yu the Great for flood control methods.
Limited archeological evidence raises skepticism about historicity, leading to debates on its mythic nature.

Acknowledged as the first verified dynasty with ample archaeological findings.
Noted for bronze technology, oracle bone writing system, and advancements in mathematics and astronomy.

Introduced the Mandate of Heaven, influencing justifications for rule across dynasties.
Longest-lasting dynasty, fostering significant philosophies including Confucianism and Daoism.
Divided into Western Zhou (1046-771 BC) and Eastern Zhou (771-256 BC) with cultural and technological progress.

Marked as the first unified Chinese empire; established a centralized government.
Key achievements: construction of the Great Wall, standardization of writing, weights, and measures.
Notable for the Terracotta Army, created to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife.

Era characterized by the spread of Buddhism and Daoism.
Notable for advancements in arts, science, and technology amidst political fragmentation.

Represented a golden age for Chinese culture, particularly in art and poetry.
Expansion of trade, especially the Silk Road, and enhancement of civil service examination systems.

Genghis Khan initiated Mongol conquests starting in 1211, capturing key Jin Dynasty territories.
Kublai Khan completed the conquest and established the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368 CE), claiming imperial authority in China.

Only female monarch in Chinese history, ruled during the Tang Dynasty.
Effective governance marked by political stability and empire expansion, despite societal gender challenges.

Known for the construction of the Forbidden City and significant maritime exploration led by Zheng He.
Efforts in restoring and expanding the Great Wall for defense.

Last imperial dynasty in China; notable for territorial expansion and modernization.
Experienced interaction with Western powers leading to the eventual fall of the imperial system.

Five Intonations:
- First Tone: High, flat pitch (e.g., 妈, mā).
- Second Tone: Rising pitch, akin to inquisitive intonation (e.g., 吗, ma).
Numbers in Pinyin:
- 一 (yī) - one
- 二 (èr) - two
- 三 (sān) - three
- 四 (sì) - four
- 五 (wǔ) - five
- 六 (liù) - six
- 七 (qī) - seven
- 八 (bā) - eight