Since the beginning of recorded history, we have seen many different civilizations from all around the world. Some civilizations are still present till this day and continue to grow while others have fallen. Out of all civilizations in history, Chinese history is the longest lasting as it goes back to more than 3000 years. Out of all Chinese history, Ancient China is the most remembered. Ancient China’s great wisdom enabled them to become one of the most successful civilizations. This was proven through their flourishing economy, organized political structure and modern innovations. The mark of every new dynasty would be the mark of a new economic advancement for the ancient Chinese civilization. The Han dynasty is when we first see Ancient China economically flourish because of their clever tactics. In the Han dynasty they created what is called the Silk Road, which enabled trading from China to neighbouring countries such as Greece, India, The Persian Empire, and Rome. This Silk Road enabled them to trade silk and import gold which expanded their trade greatly. The Silk Road also helped in providing new cultural ideas to ancient China from other civilizations to further improve. Another resource that promoted the growth of the industry in Han China was Iron. Iron weapons equipped the imperial army and iron tools also helped produce the grain that helped feed the soldiers. The Silk Road enabled ancient China to expand its economic powers by trading north, south, east and west to all countries. Many other civilizations did not look to expand their trading while as ancient China were clever enough to do so. By expanding, their economy flourished in the Han dynasty. This time of period was known as the golden age for ancient China. Also, obtaining iron not only benefited their economy, but also helped their military which lead them to great success in both areas. This shows intellect as they were widespread and did not focus on excelling in just one factor. They were bright minded and looked for new ideas to help benefit them in every way. Unlike other civilizations ancient China thought outside of the box which lead them to great success as seen through their economy. Therefore, ancient China’s strategic methods helped their economy to flourish unlike other civilizations that were narrow-minded and failed to do so. That is to say, not only did ancient China’s economy flourish but also their political structure began to advance through each dynasty. This advancement was due to their great intelligence. In Shang dynasty, there was an emperor or empress who ruled over many smaller kings. Under these kings were a bunch of less powerful lords, and these lords ruled individual farmers. The lords collected taxes from the farmers and passed some along to the kings who passed some along to the emperor. In the Ch’in dynasty, instead of letting local kings run the local government, Ch’in sent out governors and judges that he had chosen himself, who were loyal to China and not to the local kings. In Han dynasty, the emperors began to use examinations to choose the smartest men to be their governors and judges. By having a hierarchical type of political structure it was better organized because each official was responsible for certain areas who consulted with others to make final decisions. This showed great logical thinking from the ancient Chinese as it prevented their government from being unsystematic. It was insightful of them to choose governors and judges that are loyal to china and not loyal to the king. This insured that they were dedicated to helping the people. This way, the people’s voices are heard and decisions are not directed to improving only the wealthiest but are to better improve ancient China as a whole. This stable method for a government and strategic changes is what led them to last as a civilization till this day. Therefore we can see how Ancient China used their great intellect to further improve their government. This logical thinking helped provide stability and lead them to prosper as a civilization for many years. Lastly, Ancient China is most remembered for their bright minds which lead them to inventing many innovations that benefited them in every way. Iron moldboard plows were a huge advancement for ancient China which helped their economy flourish. A major invention was their method of row planting which no other civilization had come across. This technique allowed the crops to grow faster and stronger; it was a milestone for the ancient Chinese. It facilitated more efficient planting, watering, weeding and harvesting. There is also documentation that they realized that as the wind travels over rows of plants there is less damage. Also, another significant innovation invented in Han dynasty was the seed drill. Without this tool, seeds were tossed by hand over the ground resulting waste and inefficient, uneven growth. The technology of iron plows was not instituted into England and Holland until the 17th century. The method of row planting was not established into the western world until 2200 years after the ancient Chinese first invented it. Also, the seed drill was not adopted by the Europeans until the mid 1800’s. All of these inventions were adapted by western countries after the Chinese first introduced them. This shows that they were more critical thinkers and were always one step ahead in advancements than other civilizations. Ancient China’s foresighted thinking allowed them to become an overall more advanced civilizations compared to other civilizations of that time. They were advanced because of their bright minds as many other civilizations did not adapt their technology until more than 2000 years later. Therefore, ancient China was the most foresighted as they first invented innovations which current and future civilizations took ideas from. Therefore, ancient China’s strategic and clever methods helped their economy to flourish greatly starting a golden age for this civilization. Their skillful thinking enabled them to have a stable government which led to their prosperity for many years. Their bright minds created innovations that proved to be helpful to not only their civilization, but many civilizations after them. Therefore, Ancient China is known as the most successful civilization due to their great wisdom which helped them in every way of life. Ancient China was prosperous thousands of years ago and continued to grow, as China is still till this day known as one of the most successful countries because of all their accomplishments.
Bibliography

Carr, Karren. "Chinese Government." Ancient., 2012. Web. 23 May 2014.

Chang, K. C. "China Economic History." ActiveUKChina., 2004. Web. 22 May 2014.

Frater, Jamie. "10 Great Ancient Chinese Inventions - Listverse." Listverse. ,18 Apr. 2009. Web. 22 May 2014.

Gill, N. S. "Periods and Dynasties of Ancient China.", 18 Jan. 2012. Web. 23 May 2014.

Hills, Alan. "Ancient Chinese Economy." Ancient Chinese Economy., 2000. Web. 23 May 2014.

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[ 1 ]. N.S. Gill, “Periods and Dynasties of Ancient China”, http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/chinadynasties/a/ChinesePeriods.htm (January 18, 2012)
[ 2 ]. Alan Hills, “Ancient Chinese Economy”, http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/china/economy/ (2000)
[ 3 ]. Ibid
[ 4 ]. Karen Carr, “Chinese Government” http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/china/government/ (2012)
[ 5 ]. Ibid
[ 6 ]. Karen Carr, “Chinese Government” http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/china/government/ (2012)
[ 7 ]. Ibid
[ 8 ]. Karen Carr, “Chinese Government” http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/china/government/ (2012)
[ 9 ]. K. C. Chang, “China Economic History”, http://www.activeukchina.com/china-overview/china-economic-history/ (2004)
[ 10 ]. Jamie Frater, “10 Great Ancient Chinese Inventions”, http://listverse.com/2009/04/18/10-great-ancient-chinese-inventions/ (April 18,2009)
[ 11 ]. Ibid
[ 12 ]. Jamie Frater, “10 Great Ancient Chinese Inventions”, http://listverse.com/2009/04/18/10-great-ancient-chinese-inventions/ (April 18,2009)
[ 13 ]. Ibid
[ 14 ]. Jamie Frater, “10 Great Ancient Chinese Inventions”, http://listverse.com/2009/04/18/10-great-ancient-chinese-inventions/ (April 18,2009)
[ 15 ]. Ibid
[ 16 ]. Jamie Frater, “10 Great Ancient Chinese Inventions”, http://listverse.com/2009/04/18/10-great-ancient-chinese-inventions/ (April 18,2009)