Definitions
What is Filial Piety?
The belief that children owe their parents and ancestors respect
What are the two major rivers in Ancient China?
Huang He (Yellow River) and Chang Jiang (Yangtze River)
What was Shi Huangdi's greatest fear?
Dying before unifying China
Who made up the largest portion of society in the Shang Dynasty?
Farmers and peasants
What is the significance of Oracle Bones?
They were used for divination to consult gods and ancestors
What is a Dynasty?
A series of rulers from the same family
How did the Himalayan Mountains influence ancient China?
They served as natural barriers that isolated and protected China
What was the primary purpose of the Great Wall?
To protect against northern invaders
How were oracle bones used in Shang society?
As tools for communicating with ancestors
What was the importance of family in ancient China?
Family loyalty and respect were central to social structure and filial piety
What is an Oracle Bone?
An animal bone used to consult with the many gods worshipped by the Shang people
What effect did the Gobi Desert have?
It acted as a natural barrier against invaders
How did Shi Huangdi supposedly die?
From medicine, while seeking immortality
What key idea did the Zhou Dynasty introduce?
The Mandate of Heaven
How did agriculture influence ancient Chinese society?
It provided food, supported population growth, and led to the development of cities
What is the Dynastic Cycle?
The pattern of the rise and fall of dynasties in ancient and early China
List four natural barriers surrounding Ancient China.
Himalayan Mountains, Gobi Desert, Pacific Ocean, and the Taklamakan Desert
Why were the Terracotta Warriors created?
To protect Shi Huangdi in the afterlife
What was a major achievement of the Zhou Dynasty?
The development of iron tools and agricultural techniques
What were some major inventions of ancient China?
The compass, papermaking, and gunpowder
What is the Mandate of Heaven?
The belief that heaven grants authority to a ruler; a guiding force for rulers
What geographical feature helped unite ancient China?
The Huang He (Yellow River)
Describe the Warring States Period.
A time of consistent war throughout China among various states
What types of jobs did peasants have in ancient China?
Farming, labor, and providing food for society
What types of art were prevalent in ancient China?
Pottery, silk weaving, and bronze casting