Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which ancient emperor is known for leading with compassion and tolerance?
Which ancient emperor is known for leading with compassion and tolerance?
What did Darius the Great establish to facilitate trade within the Persian Empire?
What did Darius the Great establish to facilitate trade within the Persian Empire?
Which ancient civilization is not mentioned as one of the three important sites of early human civilization in the ancient world?
Which ancient civilization is not mentioned as one of the three important sites of early human civilization in the ancient world?
What religion was practiced by the people of the Persian Empire under the Emperor's rule?
What religion was practiced by the people of the Persian Empire under the Emperor's rule?
Signup and view all the answers
What important aspect characterized the Shang Dynasty in ancient China?
What important aspect characterized the Shang Dynasty in ancient China?
Signup and view all the answers
Which emperor expanded Persia to its height by allowing people to keep their government and religion?
Which emperor expanded Persia to its height by allowing people to keep their government and religion?
Signup and view all the answers
During which dynasty did Confucius live?
During which dynasty did Confucius live?
Signup and view all the answers
Which dynasty saw the first Ming emperor establish an authoritarian political culture?
Which dynasty saw the first Ming emperor establish an authoritarian political culture?
Signup and view all the answers
Which period in Chinese history was characterized by a fragmented empire, with the North dominated by invaders and the South ruled by 'Chinese' dynasties?
Which period in Chinese history was characterized by a fragmented empire, with the North dominated by invaders and the South ruled by 'Chinese' dynasties?
Signup and view all the answers
Which dynasty is known for creating a unitary state through centralized administration and standardization of writing script, weights, and measures?
Which dynasty is known for creating a unitary state through centralized administration and standardization of writing script, weights, and measures?
Signup and view all the answers
Which dynasty was defined by intricate blue and white pottery and the finishing of the Great Wall?
Which dynasty was defined by intricate blue and white pottery and the finishing of the Great Wall?
Signup and view all the answers
Which dynasty moved the capital to present-day Beijing?
Which dynasty moved the capital to present-day Beijing?
Signup and view all the answers
Which dynasty saw a time of cosmopolitanism and cultural flowering as well as the height of Buddhist influence in China?
Which dynasty saw a time of cosmopolitanism and cultural flowering as well as the height of Buddhist influence in China?
Signup and view all the answers
'Records of the Historian' became the model for subsequent official histories during which dynasty?
'Records of the Historian' became the model for subsequent official histories during which dynasty?
Signup and view all the answers
'The Great Leap Forward' and 'The Cultural Revolution' were disasters that occurred during which political period in China's history?
'The Great Leap Forward' and 'The Cultural Revolution' were disasters that occurred during which political period in China's history?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Persian Empire (550 BCE-334 BCE)
- Located in Western Asia, bordering Greece and Libya to the west, and West India to the east
- United under one government, three important sites of early human civilization: Mesopotamia, Egypt's Nile Valley, and India's Indus Valley
- Emperors: Cyrus the Great, known for leadership with compassion and tolerance, and Darius the Great, who expanded the empire to its height
- Darius the Great allowed people to keep their government and religion, built the Royal Road, created a standardized currency (Darics), and established set values by weights and measurements
- Culture: renowned for art in many forms, including metalwork, rock carvings, weaving, and architecture
- Language: the Persian language helped decode Cuneiform
- Capital city: Persepolis, known for its great architecture and relief store carvings
- Military: the Immortals, a 10,000-strong force
- Religion: Zoroastrianism, a monotheistic religion, with people free to practice their own religion
Chinese Empires
Shang Dynasty (1600-1050 BCE)
- Marked the beginning of Chinese civilization
- Characterized by its writing system, practice of divination, walled cities, bronze technology, and use of horse-drawn chariots
Zhou (Chou) Dynasty (1046-256 BCE)
- Hierarchical political and social system with the Zhou royal house at its apex
- Power was bestowed upon aristocratic families as lords of their domains or principalities
- Eventual breakdown into the Spring and Autumn period (ca. 770-475 BCE) and the Warring States period (ca. 475-221 BCE)
- Confucius (551-479 BCE) lived during this period
Qin (Ch'in) Dynasty (221-206 BCE)
- Created a unitary state with a centralized administration and standardized writing script, weights, and measures
- Known for harsh methods of rule, including the suppression of dissenting thought
Han Dynasty (206-220 BCE)
- Modified and consolidated the foundation of the imperial order
- Confucianism was established as orthodoxy, and open civil service examinations were introduced
- Han power reached Korea and Vietnam
- Records of the Historian, a model for subsequent official histories, was completed
Period of Disunity (220-589 CE)
- The empire was fragmented, with the North dominated by invaders and the South ruled by successive "Chinese" dynasties
- Buddhism spread during this period
Sui Dynasty (581-618 CE)
- China was reunified under Sui rule
Tang Dynasty (618-906 CE)
- A time of cosmopolitanism and cultural flowering, with the height of Buddhist influence in China
- Active territorial expansion until defeat by the Arabs at Talas in 751
- Foot binding began during this dynasty
Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE)
- Era of significant economic and social changes, including monetization of the economy and growth in commerce and maritime trade
- Urban expansion and technological innovations
- Examination system for bureaucratic recruitment of neo-Confucianism
Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368 CE)
- Founded by the Mongols as part of their conquest of much of the world
- Capital moved to Dadu (present-day Beijing)
- Dramas, such as the famous Story of the Western Wing, flourished
Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 CE)
- The first Ming emperor, Hongwu, laid the basis of an authoritarian political culture
- Gradual burgeoning of the commercial sector, important changes in the economy and social relations
- Vibrant literary scene, with publication of the novel Journey to the West
- Defined by intricate blue and white pottery and the finishing of the Great Wall
Qing Dynasty (1644-1912 CE)
- A Manchu dynasty
- Continued economic developments, leading to prosperity but also complacency and a dramatic increase in population
- Strains on the polity were intensified by a rapid incorporation of substantial new territories
- Authoritarian structure was subsequently unable to meet the military and cultural challenge of an expansive West
Republic Period (1912-1942 CE)
- Weak central government following the collapse of the dynastic system
- Western influence was shown by the promotion of "science" and "democracy" during the New Culture Movement
- Attempt of the Nationalist government to bring the entire country under its control was thwarted
People's Republic of China (1949 CE-Today)
- Communist government
- Drive for remaking society ended in disasters such as the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution
- Economic reform and political retrenchment since around 1978
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the history and achievements of the Persian Empire from 550 BCE to 334 BCE. Learn about key emperors such as Cyrus the Great and Darius the Great, their leadership styles, and contributions like the Royal Road.
