Vocabulary
the highest class in a society, many born into the class.
what is aristocracy?
the ideas and philosophy of Confucius- ethical and not spiritual. he strongly believed in self-improvement and education.
what is Confucianism?
The main crops in ancient China were millet and rice, which formed the foundation of early agriculture, later supplemented by wheat and barley. Northern China relied on drought-resistant millet (foxtail and broomcorn), while Southern China focused on rice cultivation in flooded fields. The "{Five Grains}" (wǔgǔ) often included millet, rice, soybeans, wheat, and barley.
What were the main crops grown in Ancient China?
During the Qin dynasty, Chinese politics changed dramatically. Legalism was considered the official ideology. Those who opposed Legalism were punished or even executed in Legalism, humans were believed to be evil by nature. The Great Wall of China was also built during this time.
what were some of the features of the Qin Dynasty?
Bronze casting is an ancient metalworking technique involving pouring molten bronze—an alloy primarily composed of copper and tin—into a hollow mold to create durable, detailed, and corrosion-resistant objects
what is bronze casting?
pieces of turtle bone or shell used to try and predict future events by supernatural means.
what are oracle bones?
The contemporary version of Confucianism, based on the teachings of Laozi, also known as the “Old Master.”
what is Daoism?
The Rivers of China
-Huang He (Yellow R.) (north)
-Chang Jiang (Yangtze R.) (central China)
-The fertile land between the rivers is called the North China Plain. Civilization developed in these river valleys.
What rivers did ancient China develop near?
Zhou was the longest lasting dynasty in China’s history (over 800 years!). This was a period of intellectual awakening, important philosophers, and great thinkers such as Laozi, Confucius, and Mencius all lived during this dynasty period.
what were some of the features of the Zhou dynasty?
a collection of ideas and sayings attributed by the Chinese philosopher Confucius.
what were the Analects?
a belief that Heaven kept order in the universe through the Zhou King (during the Zhou dynasty).
what is the Mandate of Heaven?
the idea that humans were evil by nature and it was necessary to use harsh laws and punishments.
what is Legalism?
The Great Wall of China is a massive, 13,000+ mile series of ancient defensive fortifications built across northern China from the 3rd century B.C. through the 17th century A.D.. Designed to protect the empire from nomadic invasions, it features stone and brick structures, including watchtowers, garrison stations, and watch-towers, with the best-preserved sections dating to the Ming Dynasty.
Describe the Great Wall ( its construction, features, and purpose)?
The Xia Dynasty (c. 2070–1600 BCE) is traditionally considered China’s first dynasty, founded by Yu the Great, who established hereditary rule and organized flood control. While largely regarded as legendary, archaeological findings at Erlitou suggest a real, early Bronze Age civilization with centralized governance, advanced pottery, and metalworking.
What do we know about the Xia dynasty? Why?
a military and civil commander, having control of an area due to the presence of armed forces.
what is a warlord?
a massive collection of clay sculptures representing the army of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China.
what was the Terracotta Army?
Filial piety is a foundational Confucian ethical virtue emphasizing deep respect, obedience, and devotion to parents, elders, and ancestors. It is a moral duty involving caring for parents in old age, honoring them, and maintaining family harmony, largely shaping social behavior in East Asian cultures.
What is filial piety?
1. A Vast and Varied Land
-north: Gobi Desert
-east:
low –lying plains-fertile farmland!!
the Yellow Sea/East China Sea
-west:
Taklimakan Desert
Himalayas
-south border:
Plateau of Tibet
-central:
Qinling Shandi
what is China's physical geography?
The Xia Dynasty (c. 2070–1600 BCE) is traditionally considered China’s first dynasty, founded by Yu the Great, who established hereditary rule and organized flood control. While largely regarded as legendary, archaeological findings at Erlitou suggest a real, early Bronze Age civilization with centralized governance, advanced pottery, and metalworking.
what were the characteristics of the Xia dynasty?
grown as a cereal crop- farmers relied on rainfall to produce crops such as rice and millet.
what is millet?
an important creation using bronze casting. the masks represented a protective fore against evil spirits.
what are taotie masks?
The Analects (or Lunyu) is a foundational collection of sayings, aphorisms, and anecdotes attributed to the Chinese philosopher Confucius (551–479 BC) and his disciples.
What were the Analects?
Chinese merchants exported silk, spices, tea, and other goods. This route was utilized in the Western Han Dynasty (after the Qin dynasty) and the routes were formed throughout the Han dynasty.
What was traded along the Silk Road?
The Terracotta Army was commissioned by Qin Shi Huang (259–210 BCE), the first emperor of a unified China, to serve as a massive funerary guard in his afterlife. Located in Xi'an, this army of over 7,000 life-sized, unique clay warriors, horses, and chariots was built to protect the emperor, maintain his power, and symbolize his glory, acting as a substitute for live sacrifices.
Who had the Terracotta Army Built, what was its purpose and what’s unique about it?
a sovereign ruler with great power and ranks.
what is an emperor?