Song Dynasty China and Early Modern East Asia

The Song Dynasty

• The 'Four Great Inventions' of the Song Dynasty were the compass, gunpowder, paper, and the printing press.
• The 'Four Arts of Life' in Song China were qin (zither), qi (chess), shu (calligraphy), and hua (painting).

Achievements in Production and Technology

• The Song Dynasty saw significant advancements in production and technology, including the development of iron and steel production, porcelain manufacturing, and the invention of the compass.
• The dynasty also saw the introduction of new agricultural tools and techniques, leading to increased food production and population growth.

Emperor Taizu

• Emperor Taizu, the founder of the Song Dynasty, reunified China after a period of fragmentation and established a strong, centralized government.
• He implemented a number of reforms, including the creation of a civil service exam system, which allowed for greater social mobility and merit-based advancement.

The Grand Canal

• The Grand Canal, built during the Song Dynasty, connected the Yangtze River to the Yellow River, facilitating trade and communication between northern and southern China.
• The canal played a crucial role in Chinese history, enabling the transportation of goods and people across the country.

Civil Service Exam

• The civil service exam system, established during the Song Dynasty, allowed individuals to advance socially and politically based on merit rather than birth or wealth.
• The exam system tested candidates on their knowledge of Confucian classics, poetry, and history, and was used to select government officials.

The Tale of Genji

• The Tale of Genji, written by Murasaki Shikibu, is considered the world's first novel.
• This Japanese literary masterpiece tells the story of Prince Genji and his romantic exploits.

Taoist Concept of Wu-Wei

• Wu-wei, a key concept in Taoism, refers to the idea of effortless action, or non-action, allowing things to unfold naturally without interference.
• This concept is central to Taoist philosophy, emphasizing the importance of living in harmony with the natural world.

The Three Pillars of Ancient Chinese Society

• The Three Pillars of Ancient Chinese Society were the Emperor, the Bureaucracy, and the Family.
• These three institutions formed the foundation of ancient Chinese society, with the Emperor serving as the supreme ruler, the bureaucracy administering the government, and the family serving as the basic social unit.

The Yuan/Mongol Dynasty

• The Yuan/Mongol Dynasty, established by Kublai Khan, marked the first time a non-Han Chinese dynasty ruled all of China.
• This dynasty played a significant role in Chinese history, introducing Tibetan Buddhism and establishing trade connections with Europe.