...The Ancient Chinese are responsible for many inventions and contributions to the world. Some of their inventions and contributions include paper making, moveable type printing, gunpowder, compass, alcohol, mechanical clock, tea production, silk, practical umbrella, acupuncture, iron and steel smelting, porcelain, earthquake detector, rocket, bronze, the kite, the seed drill, row crop farming, toothbrush and paper money. We will take a look at 10 of these contributions and then choose the four that I believe are the most important. I will then choose one of the Ancient Chinese contributions that I cannot live without. The most prominent inventions are: * Gunpowder: The principle behind gunpowder was discovered by the Chinese in perhaps the first century A.D., during the Han Dynasty. It wasn’t used in guns at the time, but created explosions at festivals. They mixed together saltpeter, sulfur, and charcoal dust, which they put into bamboo tubes, and threw into fires until they found a way to propel the matter on its own as a rocket (Gill, 2013) * Silk: During the Shang Dynasty the Chinese learned to cultivate the silk worm, real out its silken thread, and create silk fabric. Not only was the silken fabric useful in heat or cold as clothing, but, as a highly sought-after luxury item, it led to commerce with other peoples and the spread of culture all the way to and from the Roman Empire. (Gill, 2013). * Paper: Another Han Dynasty invention. Paper could be made from a...
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...Oppression of Women in Ancient China Society in Ancient China, more specifically during imperial China, promoted gender inequality. This fostered the oppression of women in marriage. Society proved to have business-like views of marriage through their arrangement as well as foot binding and Nushu, a woman’s secret language. Further, religious views such as Confucius ideals on a woman’s role in society impacted how women were treated in society. Because religion and society viewed them as inferiors, women were forced to enter marriages that promoted oppression and gender inequality. In Ancient China, marriage was seen as a business decision rather than a union of love between two people. During the reign of the Zhou dynasty (1045-256 BCE), marriage among the elites was often viewed as the combination of two families. When a woman married a man, she often brought sisters along with her. These sisters, and sometimes female cousins, would be presented as accessory brides. (Shaughnessy, E., 2010) Women were never offered this luxury, therefore demonstrating how women were viewed as inferior. “Prejudice in China existed long before Confucianism. However, it was Confucianism that turned the marriage system into bondage of women, treating them as possessions for their husbands.” (Gao, X. 2003) Confucius was a man who...
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...Religion in China was quite common for different areas of the country. The 3 religions were named Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism. The different types of religions were important because of the different times in China. Each religion had a different meaning for that religion and time period. Taoism was founded during the Zhou Dynasty in the 6th century. Taoism people believed that one should be with nature and all living things to have a living flow throughout them. Taoist believers didn’t feel that the use of rules and government should be allowed and were very unique in this way. The second religion is Confucianism. Not long after Lao-Tzu found Taoism, Confucius was discovered in 551 BCE. Confucius came up with ways to how people should live...
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...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...
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...Ancient Chinese fashion has some very big differences than what we have today. What they saw in clothing and beauty is very fascinating. Their clothing was very elegant, but what they did to be beautiful and to look nice was shocking. The Chinese are very good people who came up with their ideas of beauty. To start off with clothing, in ancient China, poor people had to make their clothing out of hemp or ramie while the rich wore silk. People often wore tunics, which are like long t-shirts. When women wore tunics, they were very long, down to the ground and they added belts. For the men, they wore short tunics that were down to their knees. In winter, the Chinese wore padded jackets over their tunics and sometimes pants under them too. During the Sui Dynasty (581-618), the emperor decided that all poor people had to wear blue or black on their clothing, and only rich people could wear colors. This was a rule because blue and black weren’t considered important or beautiful colors. Then, cotton was brought by the Mongols during the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368). At first, people didn’t want to grow cotton because silk was still too popular, and everyone wanted to continue getting silk. Often, most people in China had long hair, men and women. The Chinese believed it was very disrespectful and rude to cut your hair because it was...
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...In Ancient China, there are said to have been approximately 19 dynasties, the first being the Xia Dynasty, and ruling from 2070- 1600 BCE. Dynasties were ruled by a King, and under him are Feudal Lords who ruled provinces and regions on behalf of the King. The rise of the Xia dynasty was in 2070 BCE and was founded by Yu the Great. Before Yu, China was ruled by leader chosen by ability. Yu chose his son, Qi, to rule after him, thus establishing the hereditary system of succession within China. Yu worked for 13 years to control the flooding of the Yellow River. It is said that he was so dedicated to his work, that for 13 years he did not return to his home. Others were inspired by his dedication to his work, and began to follow him after he...
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...China is one of the oldest civilizations,dating back thousand of years with continuous history. The first period in ancient China was the neolithic period followed by the Xia Dynasty, the Shang Dynasty, the Zhou Dynasty and the Western Zhou. The Yangtze River considered to be the cradle of Chinese civilization. Ancient historical text have provided some proof of the possible existence of the Xia Dynasty that existed even before the Shang Dynasty of 1700-1046 B.C. The last time period considered to be included in the Ancient China time period was the Eastern Zhou. Imperial China followed Ancient China beginning with the Qin Dynasty. The Xia Dynasty ruled from the 21st to the 17th century B.C. The Shang Dynasty ruled from the 17th century to 1046 B.C. They ruled a lot of the area along the Yellow River. It’s founder w2as Tang. The Zhou ruled from 1046 to 256 B.C. This was the longest ruling dynasty in China’s history. The Western Zhou, the first part of the Zhou Dynasty ruled from 1046 to 771 B.C. Its founder was King Wu. The eastern Zhou, the second of the Zhou Dynasty ruled from 770 to 256 B.C. The Peking Man that was discovered in 1923 is the most famous Homo erectus specimen of Paleolithic man in Ancient China. By Shang times, the Chinese had developed complex religious beliefs many of which continued to be practiced for...
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...中国古代科技 摘要： 中国是世界上的文明古国，曾为人类文明做出过卓越的贡献，在世界文明史上有着重要地位。然而在近代，中国却由于落后于其他西方国家，经历了太多的挫折。如今的中国人对自己的文明常常抱有怀疑态度，甚至产生妄自菲薄的情绪。本文从中国古代科技发展的角度， 列举一些中华文明的具有现代科学概念的成就，同时，冷静分析造成近代科技落后的原因。希望通过清楚准确认识我们民族的过去，树立我们的信念与信心，改正不足，为续写中华文明的辉煌篇章做出自己的贡献。 正文： 一、前言 人类文明的每一步发展都和科技进步密切相关。科学技术是人类文化史上最重要的内容。在这个领域，我们的祖先以其特有的智慧取得了辉煌的成就，炎黄子孙至今引以自豪。中国科学技术在世界上处于领先地位达15个世纪之久，近一半的重大科技成就均源于中国，从而为现代科学技术奠定了基础。 二、代表性成就 1、数学 数学是中国古代灿烂文化的一个重要组成部分，它具有很强的抽象性，是人类实践的高度概括和总结。作为其他科学能持续深入发展的基础，数学有着不可替代的重要作用，中国古代数学的发达是当时中国能保持世界领先地位的原因之一。 古代数学的发展源于史前农业。要发展农业生产，就需要从事天文历法的研究，水利的治理，上地丈量以及工具制造等与之密切相关的活动。这一切都离不开数学的运用。传说公元前二十六世纪的黄帝的臣子“隶首作数”，可以设想，中国数学研究起源是很早的。 中国是世界上最早采用九个数字同位值名称相结合的记数法的国家，早在商代（公元前十四世纪）就已出现，这比印度早了近2000年，而欧洲直到十世纪左右才从印度学会这种计数方法。同样，对数学运算有着决定性作用的“〇”的出现也是世界上最早的，可追溯到战国时代（公元前四世纪）。 如今世人皆知的“九九乘法口诀”更是早在春秋时期以前就已出现，且在当时的知识分子眼中不过是不值一提的“小术”。由于数学的持续进步，我们的祖先在汉代左右还相继发明了筹算法（类似今天的乘法算式），以及至今仍在继续使用珠算。中国古代对数学的深入研究还包括分数、小数、负数、勾股定理、圆周率、代数方程等，这些研究成果对中国的科学发展，甚至世界的科学发展，都有着不可忽视的作用。 2、天文学 天文学起始于人类对天空的好奇，在观察天空的过程中，人们逐渐发现了天空与时间和空间的联系，从而开始了对广袤天空的专门观测。 中国古代对太空的观测活动很多，且大多主要星体都有详细记录，大多数对于当今天文学家来说都具有较高的参考价值。而在古代，天文学最重要的实际运用是历法的建立，相较于其他文明古国，中国的历法不仅包括年月日的配合，还包括日月五星运动规律的推求及日食、月食的预测等等，内容最为完备。时至今日，即使因为便于世界活动的开展，而实行公历；但并未废止农历，且至今在中国农业中仍普遍地使用。由此古人之天文学智慧可见一斑。 3、医学 中医作为中国独有的一门学科，并在西方医学的冲击下能持续发展到今天，实属不易。究其原因是在几千年的临床实践中，不仅积累了丰富经验，而且通过不断总结提高，形成一套独特完整的医学体系。 汉代是中医发展的重要时期，外科出现了华佗，内科出现了张仲景，与战国时期对脉学作出重大贡献的扁鹊并称为中医三大祖师，在中医著作方面，中药学专著有《神农本草经》，内科诊断学方面有《伤寒杂病论》，与战国时期的《黄帝内经》并称中医三大医典。在马王堆出土医书以前，这是中国最早的三部医学文献，两千多年来，对于中医一直起着纲领性的指导作用。 中医对于我们每一个生长在这块土地上的人来说都再熟悉不过，由于篇幅不...
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...China is one of the oldest civilizations on Earth, dating back to the Bronze Age. Today, China is the world’s most populated country with a quickly growing economy. Throughout China’s evolution from an ancient civilization to a monumental country, the Yangtze and Huang He rivers, the Himalayan and Kunlun mountain ranges, the Gobi and Taklamakan Deserts, the Yellow and East China Seas, and the Pacific Ocean all played an important role in the development of its culture and history. Like most of the world’s first civilizations, China formed around rivers, mainly the Huang He and the Yangtze, due to the many advantages rivers offered (Geography). They provided fertile land for farming that the Chinese economy traditionally depended on (“Central”)....
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...Ancient China Vocabulary: Oracle Bones animal bones or shells used by Shang kings to communicate with the gods Pictographs Pictures or drawings that represent words or ideas Dynastic cycle pattern of the rise and fall of dynasties Mandate of Heaven Ancient Chinese belief that a good ruler had gods’ approval What we already know: We know that ancient Egypt had a Nile river. We Also know that Egyptians Technology was very good. Specialized Workers: Well when the Chinese got surplus of crops they started moving to other jobs to get really good at it you have to practice it a lot. If you are a specialized worker on something, you would be called an artisan to your work. One of the jobs that the Chinese were specialized in or artisans...
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...1 ANCIENT CHINA 1 Introduction and General Remarks for Ancient China Ancient civilizations of the Egyptians and Mesopotamians have long disappeared, but Ancient Chinese civilization and its transformation to modern times has lasted as the largest and most enduring one in human history. This is even more remarkable when observing the numerous leitmotifs of the Chinese society that were inaugurated so long ago, and many of these themes still resonate today. Ancestral worship, the Mandate of Heaven, and the numerous philosophical ideas, especially of Confucius, have been practiced or used for thousands of years. Remote and mysterious are two adjectives that Western Society has applied to China until recently. China is the only civilization where western thought had no influence until modern times, and also practically the only large region in the world where western men never ruled. For westerners, Chinese customs seem reversed to theirs. White is the color of mourning for the Chinese not black, and for them the left side is one of honor not the right side. Writing is read vertically from the top right-hand corner downward. These few differences reveal that Chinese culture evolved independently of western influences. One can only marvel at the longevity of Chinese civilization. Influence of Geography 2 Geography has played an important role in Chinese History as in most ancient, medieval, and modern cultures. While 85% of China is arid or inaccessible steppes...
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...The civilizations of ancient India and China are both rich in culture and history. The Chinese culture emphasized family structure and philosophy while undergoing various changes through its classical period. Culture in India was most influenced by religion. Although both civilizations shared patriarchal views and were agriculture based societies, the difference in moral perceptions is what created two distinctly diverse societies. India’s Caste system is a complex social system with its foundations rooted in the belief of a people who became dominant in north India with the decline of the aboriginal civilization of the Harrappans. The social and religious attitudes of these people were illustrated through a collection of hymns, religious texts and philosophical treatises once orally transmitted before being composed as what are called Vedas. The earliest of the texts, the Rig Veda portrays the...
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...A great example of this is China. As far back as the first Chinese dynasties, China developed the Mandate of Heaven, which created a stable way for power to pass from one dynasty to the next. China was also known for its merit-based bureaucracy, which helped successfully centralize and organize China for thousands of years. The continuity of China was in their stability, particularly of the their government. The Roman Empire mirrored China in many ways, their peaceful periods, even matched each other, China experienced Pax Sinica when Rome experienced Pax Romana. Both empires had a strong central government and administration, this was a continuity throughout both empires and their long histories. Strong centralized government or governmental systems, is a continuity of the Roman Empire and its citizens. Even after the fall of the Roman Empire in the West, lots of the Roman structure remained. The transition from republic to empire was a trying time for the Roman people, and many changes and reforms took...
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...A situation in which I made a mistake was back in the seventh grade. My teacher assigned a project which my group and I had to present a project on ancient China. To ensure everyone was on task, we were to choose a leader who would make sure everyone was doing their work. I was chosen to be the leader and that's when things started to go downhill. We first had to vote whether we wanted to present by using a slideshow, or Prezi, but because I was leader, I insisted on creating a video. Although a video may seem like a good idea, we only had a week to complete it. By telling everyone they had to listen to me because I was leader, they agreed with me. Now fast forward a few days, the project was almost due and we were nowhere near finished. Instead...
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...THE LIFE OF A WOMAN IN ANCIENT CHINA The life of a woman in ancient china was a really cruel and harsh one. Many of the things that were a popular practise back then are now against the law universally now days. Men had absolute power of women, women’s feet were bound, women had specific clothes they had to wear and they developed a secret language. Foot binding was a very strong practice in ancient china. Young girls from the age of about five or six had their feet bound by their MOTHERS. It started at this age because the feet were not fully grown (there for they were very small), and easy to change shape. This prosses was begun by breaking the toes and folding them as far back as they could go underneath the foot. Then the foot would be bound as tightly as possible so that it could not gradually slip back to normal. After that the the bandages were changed every three days. This was continued until they were thirty three. Then the foot would stop being bandaged because there was no need. Many women had infected feet. This whole prosses was excruciatingly painful. The smaller your feet the more atrractive you were considered. Women had no rights what so ever. Men could do anything that they wanted to any woman. Even if the male was four and the woman was forty. Men could beat rape and even kill a women and it was considered alright. But if that happened to a man from either sex that person would be considered an outcast. Woman had to be submissive to men and foot binding...
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