Dynasties
Which dynasty is known as possibly legendary and founded by Yu the Great?
Xia Dynasty
Who was the founder of Confucianism?
Confucius
What was the highest social class in Ancient China?
The Emperor
What was the purpose of the Terracotta Army?
To protect Qin Shi Huangdi in the afterlife
What major trade good was China known for?
Silk
Which dynasty introduced the Mandate of Heaven?
Zhou Dynasty
Which belief system focuses on living in harmony with nature and the Dao?
Daoism
Why were farmers respected more than merchants?
They contributed more to society by producing food
Name one invention from Ancient China used to detect earthquakes.
Seismograph
Why did the Qin standardise currency and weights?
To make trade easier across the empire
How did Qin Shi Huangdi's leadership style and reforms differ from the Zhou Dynasty?
Qin abolished feudalism and centralised power under Legalism, replacing inherited rule with loyal officials who reported directly to him.
What role did filial piety play in maintaining Ancient Chinese society?
Filial piety kept families stable by teaching children to obey parents, which Confucians believed also supported loyalty to the emperor.
How did Confucian values shape gender roles in Ancient China?
Men were expected to lead and provide, while women were taught to obey, care for children, and support their husband's family.
Explain how the Silk Road transformed China’s role in global trade.
The Silk Road connected China with other civilisations, spreading goods like silk and ideas like Buddhism, and increasing wealth.
What reforms did the Han Dynasty introduce that made it different from the Qin?
The Han ended harsh punishments and forced labor, promoted Confucian ideas, and introduced exams for choosing officials based on ability.
Why did Buddhism offer comfort to the lower classes in Ancient China, and how did it differ from Confucianism?
Buddhism offered hope and peace to the poor, focusing on kindness and rebirth, while Confucianism emphasised respect, duty, and social roles.
Compare the living conditions of peasants and nobility in Ancient China.
Nobles had spacious homes with courtyards and gardens, while peasants lived in small, simple houses made from mud or wood.
Why was the crossbow considered a significant military advancement?
The crossbow was easier to use than traditional bows, allowing common soldiers to be effective and giving armies more power.
What dangers did travellers face on the Silk Road?
Harsh deserts, mountains, bandits, and unpredictable weather.
Explain how the Warring States Period reflected the weaknesses of the Zhou feudal system
Zhou kings lost control as lords gained power, broke away, and fought each other, weakening the dynasty and leading to chaos.
Why were funeral rituals so important in Confucian-influenced society?
People believed honouring ancestors through proper rituals brought luck, while failing to do so could bring misfortune to the family.
What does the preference for sons over daughters tell us about Ancient Chinese society?
Sons were needed to carry on the family name and care for elders, so daughters were often seen as less important or even unwanted.
Describe both the benefits and human cost of building the Great Wall.
The Wall protected China’s borders but was built by forced laborers who worked in dangerous conditions, with many losing their lives.
What ideas and technologies spread along the Silk Road besides goods?
Religions like Buddhism, inventions, languages, and cultural traditions.