Anceint China

Geography

Formed around the Huang He (Yellow) River in Eastern Asia

China was (mostly) geographically isolated because of the surrounding Mountains, Deserts, and Seas

However, invaders were able to enter China through the north

Government

China was ruled by many Dynasties

These Dynasties ruled by the Mandate of Heaven

Mandate of Heaven

• Only 1 legitimate ruler at a time
• That ruler had the blessing of the gods to rule China (they were "divine")
• Rulers can be overthrown if they are unjust, or no longer have the support of the gods

First (real) Dynasty: Shang (1600-1046 BCE)

Second Dynasty: Zhou (1046-256 BCE)
First to Mandate of Heaven to overthrow Shang

After the Zhou is the period of the "Warring States"

China was broken apart and ruled by local lords (feudalism)

Qin Dynasty

Qin Dynasty

• Started by Qin Shi Huangdi
• Very strong leader
• Gives China its name
• Unites all of China into Imperial China

Qin Shi Huangdi also combines local walls into one Great Wall to protect from outside Invasions

Qin Shi Huangdi builds an army of Terracotta Warriors to protect him in the afterlife

Inventions/Contributions

Paper

Porcelin

Silk

These goods were trade on the Silk Road, which is one of the most important trade routes in history

The Chinese also create a better Civil Service system

Government officials were hired based on merit and exams

Culture

Chinese Culture was influenced heavily by Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism

Confucius

Confucianism

• Belief that humans are good, not bad
• Respect for elders
• Code of politeness
• Emphasis on education
• Ancestor worship

Taosim (Daoism)

Taoism

• Teaches Humility
• Simple life and inner peace
• Harmony with nature
• Yin and Yang=complimenting opposites