ANCIENT CHINA FOUNDATIONS
Which two major rivers supported early Chinese civilization?
The Yellow River and the Yangtze River
What dynasty is associated with oracle bones?
The Shang Dynasty
Who founded the Persian Empire?
Cyrus the Great
Who restored order to the Persian Empire after rebellion?
Darius the Great
What was the capital of Persia under Darius
Persepolis
How did China’s geography contribute to early unity and isolation?
Natural barriers limited contact and encouraged internal development.
What evidence do oracle bones provide about Shang rule?
Give 2
show kingship, religious beliefs, and early writing.
How did Cyrus treat conquered peoples?
With tolerance toward religion and customs.
What system divided the empire into provinces?
Satrapies
How long was the Royal Road aprox.
1,500-1,700 miles
Why was the Yellow River both helpful and dangerous?
It provided fertile soil but caused devastating floods.
What idea did the Zhou use to justify overthrowing the Shang?
The Mandate of Heaven
Why did Persian tolerance help maintain control?
It reduced rebellion and increased loyalty.
What was the purpose of the Royal Road?
To improve communication and control.
What was used as a standardized currency in Persia?
Gold & Silver coins
How did geography influence China’s political stability compared to Persia?
China’s geography encouraged unity, Persia’s encouraged division.
How did the Mandate of Heaven explain rebellion and dynastic change?
Bad rule meant the ruler lost Heaven’s favor.
What problem did the Persian Empire face after Cyrus’s death?
Rebellion and instability.
How did standardized taxes and currency strengthen the empire?
They created consistency, fairness, and economic stability
Explain why tax revenue may go down as tax collection goes up
It is a bell curve that reaches an equilibrium point
Explain how environment shaped early Chinese civilization’s development. 2 Different Ways
Rivers supported farming while isolation limited foreign influence.
How does the Dynastic Cycle explain both stability and collapse?
Strong rule brings order; corruption leads to decline and replacement
Why was a strong administrative ruler needed after Cyrus?
The empire was large and difficult to control.
How did communication, government organization, and currency help Darius maintain imperial unity?
They allowed efficient control across long distances.
How does the government structure of Persia relate to the checks and balance system of the US today
The 3 equal levels of government in each prevent centralized power