Medieval China: Terms, People, and Dynasties

• Study guide covers important terms, people, dynasties, and concepts related to Medieval China.
• Covers vocabulary, key historical figures, major dynasties.
• Significant questions students should understand.

Vocabulary Terms

• Warlord: A military leader who controls a region, often independent of the central government.
• Calligraphy: Artistic writing valued in Chinese culture, important for education and a respected skill among scholars.
• Census: Population count to determine taxation, military service, and labor.
• Reform: Changes made to improve society, government, or policies.
• Steppe: Vast, treeless plain, particularly in Mongolia and northern China, where nomadic tribes lived.
• Barbarian: Term used by the Chinese to describe non-Chinese people, like the Mongols and Xiongnu.
• Civil Service Exam: Examination system selecting government officials based on merit.
• Terror: Tactic used by the Mongols to instill fear and force submission.
• Tribe/Clan: Social structures among nomadic peoples, grouped into family-based clans led by chieftains.
• Porcelain: Fine ceramic material invented in China and highly valued in trade, especially along the Silk Road.
• Treason: Act of betraying one’s country or ruler.
• Monasteries: Religious communities where Buddhist monks lived.

Key People

• Wendi: Founder of the Sui Dynasty, reunified China.
• Lao Tzu: Philosopher and founder of Daoism, emphasizing harmony with nature.
• Kublai Khan: Grandson of Genghis Khan, founder of the Yuan Dynasty, conquered the Song Dynasty.
• Yangdi: Second Sui emperor, constructed the Grand Canal but was overthrown due to harsh rule.
• Empress Wu: Only female emperor of China, ruled during the Tang Dynasty.
• Li Bo: Poet of the Tang Dynasty.
• Marco Polo: Venetian traveler who visited China during Kublai Khan’s rule.
• Yong Le: Ming emperor, moved the capital to Beijing and ordered the construction of the Forbidden City.
• Siddhartha Gautama: Founder of Buddhism.
• Du Fu: Tang Dynasty poet.
• Zheng He: Chinese admiral and explorer during the Ming Dynasty.
• Han Fei: Philosopher and major figure in Legalism.
• Confucius: Philosopher whose teachings on morality, family, and government became the foundation of Confucianism.
• Genghis Khan: Founder of the Mongol Empire, united Mongolian tribes.
• Matteo Ricci: Jesuit missionary who introduced Western science and Christianity to China.
• Zhu Yuanzhang (Hong Wu): Founder of the Ming Dynasty, overthrew the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty.

Other Important Concepts and Places

• Buddhism: Gained popularity during the Tang Dynasty, focusing on enlightenment and spiritual discipline.
• Confucianism: Philosophy based on Confucius’ teachings, emphasizing respect, duty, and social harmony.
• Legalism: Advocating strong government control and harsh punishments.
• Taoism: Promoting balance, nature, and simplicity.
• Neo-Confucianism: Blend of Confucian, Buddhist, and Daoist ideas.
• Chang’an: Capital of the Tang Dynasty.
• Forbidden City: Palace complex in Beijing during the Ming Dynasty.
• Nanjing: Historic capital city.
• Imperial City: Section of Beijing that housed government buildings and royal residences.
• Silk Road: Vast trade network connecting China.
• Macao: Port city and center of trade between China and European merchants.
• Khanbaliq: Mongol capital (modern-day Beijing) during Kublai Khan’s rule.
• Karakorum: Original Mongol capital.
• Junk Ships: Large Chinese ships used for trade and exploration.
• The Analects: Collection of Confucius’ teachings.
• Tao Te Ching: Foundational Daoist text.
• Woodblock Printing: Printing technique developed in China.

Dynasties

• Sui Dynasty (581–618 CE): Reunified China, built the Grand Canal, collapsed due to overtaxation and forced labor.
• Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE): Golden age, expanded Buddhism and developed the civil service exam.
• Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE): Known for economic and technological advancements like paper money and gunpowder.
• Yuan Dynasty (1279–1368 CE): Established by Kublai Khan, known for openness to trade and cultural exchange.
• Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 CE): Restored Chinese rule, expanded naval exploration and built the Forbidden City.

Key Q & A

• Sui Dynasty unified China and built the Grand Canal.
• Tang Dynasty strengthened the government and expanded borders.
• Paper money, gunpowder, printing, compass, silk production, advanced farming tools.
• Mongols had military tactics, skilled horsemen, psychological warfare, and leadership under Genghis Khan.
• The Portuguese wanted new trade routes, spices, silk, and aimed to spread Christianity.
• Song Dynasty capital: Kaifeng (later Hangzhou).
• Yuan Dynasty capital: Khanbaliq (Beijing).
• Ming Dynasty capital: Nanjing, then Beijing.
• The Grand Canal connected northern and southern China, facilitating trade, transportation, and economic growth.