Ancient China's Geography and Dynasties

• Major bodies of water surrounding China include the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea, and the Pacific Ocean, all located east of China.
• To the north lies the Gobi Desert and the Yellow River (Huang He).
• The Taklimakan Desert, the Himalayas, the Pamir, and the Tian Shan mountain ranges are to the west of China.
• The Chang Jiang (Yangtze) River is in central China.

Shang Dynasty

• Around 2000 BCE, farming communities evolved into cities.
• Shang kings controlled cities and established a dynasty.
• Respect for families and ancestors was fundamental to Shang culture.
• Oracle bones were used to pose questions to Shangdi, a deity.
• Priests inscribed questions on animal bones or tortoise shells, representing an early form of writing.

Zhou Dynasty

• The Zhou eventually overtook the Shang dynasty.
• Taoism and Confucianism are philosophies associated with the Zhou.
• Dynasties operate in a cyclical pattern.
• The Zhou dynasty lacked a strong central government, and family members were appointed as lords.
• Lords began to fight among themselves, leading to the "Time of the Warring States."
• Significant advancements occurred in bronze age technologies; cast iron and bronze were used for tools, vessels, and weapons.
• Han Fei created Legalism; Confucius and Lao-Tzu created Confucianism and Taoism, respectively.
• Confucius: "The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home," highlighting the importance of family values
• Taoism embraces change: "When I let go of who I am, I become what I might be."
• Legalism states structure is required: “Past and present have different customs; new and old adopt different measures...to drive a runaway horse without using reins or whip.”

Confucianism

• China entered a chaotic period during the Zhou dynasty.
• Confucius, a teacher and government official, believed Chinese society was collapsing due to conflict.
• Father and son, older and younger brother, husband and wife, and ruler and subject are the five relationships taught in Confucianism.
• Education, family unity, and filial piety were promoted by Confucius.
• After his death, Confucius' students compiled his teachings in a book called the Analects.
• Confucianism has served as a unifying force in Chinese culture and impacted millions.

Qin Dynasty

• The Qin dynasty unified China after the Warring States period.
• Imperial power was strengthened, and highway/irrigation projects were initiated.
• Weights, coins, writing, and measures were standardized.
• Shi Huangdi, a legalistic leader, tried to eliminate Confucian teachings.
• Construction of the Great Wall of China began along the northern border.
• The Great Wall is largely unrestored and primarily made by the Ming dynasty.
• Glutinous rice flour was used to bind the bricks.
• Erosion threatens the Great Wall.
• Near Qin leaders' tombs, the Terracotta Warriors were built over 2000 years ago.
• In ancient China, people believed in the afterlife and practiced human sacrifice.
• A special coating protected the Terracotta Warriors from decay.

Daoism and Legalism

• Lao-Tzu founded Daoism, focusing on harmony with nature.
• Daoists seek balance by connecting with nature.
• Han Fei led Legalism, which emphasized order through law and a strong centralized government.
• The Qin dynasty adopted Legalism.

Han Dynasty

• The Han dynasty, led by Liu Bang, defeated the Qin and supported Confucianism.
• Empress Lu led the dynasty for a time.
• The dynasty lasted 422 years.
• Emperor Wudi expanded the empire to nearly the size of modern China.
• People lived simple farming lives in mud houses.
• Han cities were very large metropolises with businesses, gangs and entertainment

Han Dynasty Innovations

• Ancient China invented the plow, collar harness for horses, wheelbarrow, and watermill.
• Paper was invented in 105 AD.
• Silk was highly valued.
• Cast iron production involved heating iron and pouring it into molds.
• The Silk Roads were trade routes connecting China and Europe.
• Chinese silk was in high demand.
• Cultures, grapes, honey, spices, ivory, pottery, and rugs were exchanged through the Silk Road.
• Buddhism spread to China, Japan, and Korea.

Explore the geography of ancient China, including major bodies of water like the Yellow Sea and significant land features such as the Gobi Desert and the Himalayas. Learn about the Shang and Zhou dynasties, their cultural practices, and the cyclical nature of dynasties.