Shang Dynasty
What were oracle bones used for?
To communicate with ancestors.
What idea explains the rise and fall of dynasties?
The Mandate of Heaven.
Who founded Confucianism?
Confucius.
What form of writing did the Shang Dynasty develop?
Logographic writing.
What dynasty first used the concept of the Mandate of Heaven?
The Zhou Dynasty.
What material were ritual vessels typically made of?
Bronze
What were the key stages in the dynastic cycle?
Founding, prosperity, decline, replacement.
What is the main focus of Daoism?
Harmony with nature and following the Dao (the Way.)
What were oracle bones typically made of?
Animal bones or turtle shells.
What was a sign that a ruler had lost the Mandate of Heaven?
Natural disasters or widespread corruption.
What offerings were included in Shang rituals?
Food, wine, and sacrifices.
What could justify rebellion against a ruler?
Losing the Mandate of Heaven due to corruption or natural disasters.
What philosophy emphasized strict laws and harsh punishments?
Legalism
What was an early use of Chinese writing?
Recording divinations and rituals.
How did the Mandate of Heaven justify leadership changes?
It allowed for rebellion and replacement of unjust rulers.
How did writing help unify the Shang region?
Through law enforcement, communication, and record-keeping.
What connected rulers to their divine right to rule?
Approval from Heaven, as long as they governed justly.
What concept in Confucianism prioritizes respect for family?
Filial piety.
How did Chinese writing evolve over time?
From pictographs to modern Chinese script.
How did the Mandate of Heaven influence the dynastic cycle?
It explained the transition between dynasties.
What role did ancestors play in Shang beliefs?
Ancestors influenced the gods and controlled the lives of the living.
What innovations in governance emerged during the Zhou Dynasty?
Feudalism and decentralized rule.
How did Confucianism shape government during the Han Dynasty?
It promoted a merit-based system using civil service exams.
How did writing help maintain cultural continuity in Ancient China?
By standardizing communication and preserving records.
What was the Mandate of Heaven’s role in maintaining order?
It created a moral obligation for rulers to govern justly and effectively.