Silk Road
This term names the network of trade routes connecting China to Central Asia and beyond.
Silk Road.
The Han emperors kept local leaders weak so these leaders could not do what?
Challenge the emperor’s authority / overthrow the emperor.
Name one explorer or envoy who traveled during Wudi’s reign.
Zhang Qian.
Define the Silk Road.
Silk Road: A network of trade routes linking China to Central Asia and other lands.
Name one type of good other countries wanted from China that made them eager to trade.
Silk (acceptable: silk specifically; also spices, horses, or other trade goods).
Instead of giving newly conquered lands to noblemen, Han emperors chose to do this. What was it?
Governed the new lands directly through talented officials. (central government rule).
How did the Han emperors’ contact with Central Asia affect trade routes? (short answer)
It established, protected and expanded long-distance trade routes that later became known as the Silk Road.
Officials: Who are “officials” and what do they do? (one sentence)
Officials: People who work for the government and run its day-to-day affairs.
Who did Wudi send on a mission that helped open contacts with Central Asia and led to knowledge of exotic lands?
Zhang Qian.
What formal system did Wudi create to find talented people for government jobs?
Civil service exams (examinations to select officials).
Besides trade and food, name one major cultural or religious change that entered China in this period.
Buddhism entered China.
Cuisine: What does the word “cuisine” mean? Give one example related to the Han period.
Cuisine: Style of cooking or food of a region (example: Chinese cuisine enriched by new foods).
Besides goods, name two cultural or food influences that traveled to China along the Silk Road (one is a religion).
Buddhism and new foods (examples: grapes, sesame, or new spices).
What name is given to government workers who manage public affairs and serve the state (two-word answer)?
Civil service officials (or simply “officials” / “government officials”).
Give one example of how foods from other lands affected China during the Han.
New foods and ingredients were introduced into Chinese cuisine (example: grapes or sesame).
Civil service: Define “civil service” and explain how the exams relate to it (one sentence each).
Civil service: The group of government workers chosen to run government tasks; the exams selected these workers.
Explain briefly why the Silk Road helped both China and other lands become richer (two short reasons).
It allowed exchange of valuable goods (like silk) for foreign products and ideas; it connected markets making trade and cultural exchange possible.
Explain how the civil service exams changed who could become an official in Han China (one or two sentences).
The exams selected talented people based on merit rather than only noble birth, opening government jobs to skilled candidates.
Describe one long-term effect of Han contacts with western kingdoms on China’s economy or culture (one or two sentences).
Increased trade wealth and cultural exchange; introduction of new foods, ideas, and religions that changed Chinese society.
Envoys: What is an envoy, and why were envoys important to Han rulers? (two short sentences)
Envoys: Messengers or diplomatic representatives sent to other lands; they opened trade and diplomatic ties for the Han.