Stable Food Supply
Known as the “Cradle of Chinese Civilization”
Flows through northern China
Its fertile soil helped early agriculture thrive
However, it was also called “China’s Sorrow” because of devastating floods
The Yellow River
The supreme ruler believed to govern by the Mandate of Heaven, holding absolute authority over the government, military, and laws while maintaining order and harmony in the empire.
The emperor
___________ in ancient China spread from India and taught people how to escape suffering through meditation, moral living, and enlightenment.
Buddhism
The _________ detected and measured earthquakes, helping officials respond to natural disasters.
seismograph
A piece of bone or shell heated and cracked by holy men to seek advice from a king's ancestors. The earliest writing discovered in Ancient China.
Oracle bones
The longest river in China and Asia
Flows through central China
Provided water for farming, transportation, and trade
Supported the growth of major ancient settlements
Yangtze River
A competitive test system, strongly influenced by Confucius, used to select government officials based on their knowledge, skills, and understanding of Confucian teachings.
The civil service exam
_______________ emphasized living in harmony with the Dao (the Way), valuing nature, simplicity, and spiritual immortality.
Daoism
The ___________ allowed Chinese travelers and sailors to navigate over long distance, and position their temples, graves, and homes how they desired.
compass
Inspired by nature, a style of writing valued for its natural flow.
Calligraphy
Developed during the Han Dynasty, this was a mechanical device that used a looped chain with attached paddles to lift water from rivers or canals for irrigation.
Chain pump
______________ were highly valued in ancient China because they produced the food that sustained the entire society, even though they often had modest living conditions.
Farmers
______________________ was a central practice in ancient China, where people honored deceased family members to gain their guidance and protection.
Ancestor worship
A powerful weapon that gave Chinese armies greater range and force in warfare.
The crossbow
Ancient Shang artists created _________, which included geometric designs and pictures of mythical creatures.
Bronze vessel (pots)
From the Han Dynasty, this was a one-wheeled cart that allowed a single person to carry heavy loads more efficiently over long distances.
The wheelbarrow
______________ were considered lower in status despite their wealth, as Confucian ideals prioritized labor that directly benefited society over trade for profit.
Merchants
_____________ founded by Han Feizi, was a philosophy that taught strict laws and harsh punishments. At its core, it believed people were selfish and needed strict laws to maintain order.
Legalism
Invented during the Han dynasty, it was lightweight, durable, and absorbed ink well for writing. This replaces bamboo and silk.
Paper
An army of soldiers created using terracotta, believed to guard emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife, and was used to make tools, weapons, and ceremonial objects, giving ancient China durable materials for daily life and ritual his tomb.
Terracotta army/ Terracotta warriors.
From the Han Dynasty, this was a strong farming tool with an iron blade that made it easier to turn tough soil and increase crop production.
The iron plow
Scholars and __________________________ held high social prestige because their education and roles in administration were essential for maintaining order and implementing the emperor’s policies.
government officials
______________ influenced religious life less as a faith and more as a moral and social philosophy guiding behavior, family duties, and government ethics.
Confucianism
This was used to make tools, weapons, and ceremonial objects, giving ancient China durable materials for daily life and rituals.
Bronze
A precious stone used in many sculptures and statues.
Jade