...------------------------------------------------- History of China From at least 1766BCE to the twentieth century of the Common Era, China was ruled by dynasties. A dynasty is a family that passes control from one generation to the next. A dynasty does not have to last for a long time. One Chinese dynasty lasted more than 800 years while another lasted only fifteen years. The ancient Chinese believed their ancestors in heaven had chosen their leaders. They called this the Mandate of Heaven. The Chinese people often rebelled against a weak leader if they believed he had lost the Mandate of Heaven. There are indications of an earlier Hsia Dynasty, but the Shang were the first dynasty to leave written records. The Shang also developed a lunar calendar consisting of twelve months of 30 days each. The Shang Dynasty ruled China from approximately 1766BCE to about 1040BCE. Shang rulers expanded the borders of their kingdom to include all of the land between Mongolia and the Pacific Ocean. The Shang practiced human sacrifice. If a Shang king died, many of his subjects would join the ruler in his grave. Some people were beheaded first but others were buried alive. When a Shang king died, his next oldest brother replaced him. When there were no brothers, the ruler’s oldest maternal nephew became king. A maternal nephew would be a child of one of the deceased king’s cousins – that is, a son of his mother’s siblings. The Chou were initially nomads who lived west of the Shang...
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...AP World History - Stearns Chapter 2 – Classical Civilization: China I. Introduction – longest-lived civilization in history A. Isolated 1. Couldn’t learn from other cultures 2. Rare invasions 3. Distinctive identity 4. Relatively little internal chaos w/ decline of Shang dynasty a. Greatest links to classical society B. Intellectual theory 1. Harmony of nature – yin and yang – balance 2. Seek Dao – the way a. Avoid excess b. Appreciate balance of opposites c. Humans part of world, not on outside – like Mediterranean Thesis: China emerged with an unusually well-integrated system in which government, philosophy, economic incentives, the family, and the individual were intended to blend into a harmonious whole. II. Patterns in Classical China A. Pattern of rule 1. Dynasty, family of kings – create strong politics, economy 2. Dynasty grew weak, taxes declined 3. Social divisions increased 4. Invasion or internal rebellion 5. Another dynasty emerged – general, invader, peasant rebel B. Zhou Dynasty – 1029-258 BCE 1. Started decline in 700 BCE 2. Ruled w/ local princes – alliance system a. Successful in agricultural communities – ie manor system Europe b. Princes received land for troops/tax 3. Eventually local leaders ignored central gov’t 4. Contributions a. Extended territory to “Middle Kingdom” – wheat north, rice south 1. Transportation/communication...
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...Tong Zhang Pre-Modern East Asian History China: Introduction Written records of Chinese civilization date back to 1200 BCE. Naturally many parts of China have become worldwide attractions due to historical richness. The Dynasties of China covered in this chapter will be: Shang (1600 – 1050 BCE), Zhou (1046 – 256 BCE), Warring States Period (475 – 221 BCE), Qin (221 – 206 BCE) Han (206 BCE – 220 CE). Henan Museum, Zheng Zhou Yellow River Valley (Shang) Today, Zheng Zhou is the provincial capital of the Henan Province and is a fast growing city that is one of the centers of technology and politics in China. Lying on the southern bank of the Yellow River (Huang He) Zheng Zhou is home to many beautiful pagodas, Shaolin Temples, and amazing sceneries. Though a bustling megacity today, Zheng Zhou has been an integral part of since the Shang Dynasty of China starting in 1600 BCE. During the Bronze Age, the huge country we call China today had hardly developed. At the time, people understood very little so the base of Chinese culture known as Di (or god) was created. Di gave the Shang people a sense of predictability and understanding of the world. For example, they used Di to predict whether a harvest was to be good or bad. The Shang people communicated with Di through Oracle Bones and Pyromancy. Ritual specialists would use fire to strike a special oracle bone. The grains in the bone would crack in a certain direction and the Shang people would take that as a sign...
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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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... Many works of earlier periods, even in narrative form, had a covert moral or didactic purpose, such as the Sanskrit Panchatantra or the Metamorphoses of Ovid. Drama and satire also developed as urban culture provided a larger public audience, and later readership, for literary production. Lyric poetry (as opposed to epic poetry) was often the speciality of courts and aristocratic circles, particularly in East Asia where songs were collected by the Chinese aristocracy as poems, the most notable being the Shijing or Book of Songs. Over a long period, the poetry of popular pre-literate balladry and song interpenetrated and eventually influenced poetry in the literary medium. In ancient China, early literature was primarily focused on philosophy, historiography, military...
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...the Nile * 3300 B.C.E. * first walled towns were erected at Naqada and Hierakonpolis * 3100 B.C.E. * ruler of Upper Egypt unified the country * Menes, first ruler, conquered Lower Egypt and brought all of Egypt under his rule. He built the city of Memphis as his capital. * Kings of Egypt * “Ruler of the Two Lands” * wore two crowns – symbolizing the unification of the country * There were at least 30 dynasties in Egypt’s history * Scholars divided the early history of Egypt according to the three periods when strong dynasties united the country * Old Kingdom (2686 – 2150 B.C.E.) * Middle Kingdom (2040 – 1786 B.C.E.) * New Kingdom (1570 – 1090 B.C.E.) Old Kingdom * 2649 B.C.E. * Old Kingdom was inaugurated under the rulers of the third dynasty * Egypt first began to project its power abroad, with expeditions during the reign of Shefru (2575 – 2551 B.C.E.) to Nubia to collect raw materials and campaigns into Libya by the sixth dynasty pharaohs (2323 – 2150 B.C.E.) * 2246 – 2152 B.C.E. * During the long reign of Pepi II, central authority began to dissolve...
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...What was life like during the Shang Dynasty, and what effect did writing have on Chinese culture and government? The Shang dynasty marks the beginning of recorded history in China. Scholars dissent about when the dynasty began, with opinions ranging from the mid 18th to the mid 16th century. Regardless of scholarly opinion on the matter, the Bronze Age was the defining event that heralded its beginning (Independence Hall Association of Philadelphia, 2014). Archaeological excavations offer a glimpse as to what life during this period was like. Shang kings were militaristic; class stratification and polytheism were inherent aspects of life during the Shang period. The advent of writing was a major Shang-period development – one which shaped...
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...How did the Shang Dynasty in China differ from their ancestors? They developed a common written language which made it easier to communicate vast distances and gave the ability to reference old texts of knowledge. They also large armies equipped with bronze weaponry to take out lesser tribes. Who were the most powerful Zhou rulers and what changes did they bring to Chinese society? The three Zhou kings; King Wen who expanded territory, King Wu who toppled the Shang dynasty, The Duke of Zhou who is King Wu's brother and heir. They changed politics towards a decentralized fuedal system. In which, they sent trusted relatives and subordinates to take on roles of religious, administrative, and military on their behalf. What changes did the Warring States Period bring to China? New military technology and tactics. Such as the mechanical crossbow which was more effective than a horseman archer. They had developed organized infantry working with calvery. They changed military generals that were born aristocrats. Eventually using tactics that would either look for advantages or disadvantages of both armies. What type of cities made up the Harappan civilization? The Harappan Civilization was first discovered in 1921 in the Indus Valley in present day Pakistan and India. Which showed signs of early literature. It had jewelers capable of making gold jewelry. They made bricks to a standard. Along with an advanced sewage system for their homes and structural height up to three stories...
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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 regarding dynasties, unification, leadership, political philosophies, government structure and international relationships. The country has an extensive history. China also has many customs we would consider to be unacceptable. Come with me and let’s explore the up and coming global power. SECTIONII: There were many dynasties that have ruled China since 2033BC. Xia dynasty is one that people did not want to admit it existed. Xia ended with its leader being overthrown, imagine that. People can only put up with so much oppression. The monarch was a typical imbecile with money and power at his fingertips; he was overthrown. The Shang dynasty was ruled by a corrupt leader; he was overthrown. The longest lasting dynasty in China was the Zhou dynasty; they were in charge from 1027-221BC (www.google.com). A writing system and bronze metallurgy were invented. The king was assassinated by rebels (www.paulnoll.com). Power equals money which in turn, equals demise especially regarding dynasties. China dynasty rulers when overthrown are usually exiled or murdered. One Zhou ruler was overthrown and killed by rebel lords. With the royal line broken the power of the Zhou court gradually diminished (www.paulnoll.com/China/Dynasty-Zhou.html). The Qin dynasty was a ruthless one. They relied heavily on standardizing legal codes and bureaucratic procedures (www.paulnoll.com/China/Dynasty-Qin.html). Wow! One could say that China is communist due to this dynasty. What is it...
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...ancient dynasties of China include Shang dynasty, Western Zhou dynasty and Eastern Zhou dynasty. The Shang dynasty emerged in 1766 BC and disappeared when the Western Zhou dynasty defeated the last king of the Shang dynasty in 1122 BC (Pines, p. 12). The Eastern Zhou dynasty emerged in 771 BC, which underwent two traditional phases known as ‘Warring States’ and ‘Spring and Autumn’. Ancient China had a well-developed agricultural and irrigation system and was home to several plant and animal species. The most important of all is the period of Confucianism in which Confucius transformed the Chinese by formulating the ethics of public and family interactions (Pines, p. 17). He also set educational standards in the ancient Chinese empire by focusing on the six art forms of archery, computation, calligraphy, music, ritual and chariot-driving (Pines, p. 27). Confucianism became the most important influential philosophy during the reign of Han, Song and Tang dynasties. Chinese calligraphy and literature became the most renowned written language across the world. The rich tradition of the country is visible in its dramatic visual arts. Chinese drama, including music became a significant literary form and was mostly a derivation from the philosophical works of Confucius, which continues even today (Pines, p. 185). Ancient Chinese produced novels and poetry at a very early period. Chinese opera has become one of the prominent cultural and artistic mediums of the country. The Han dynasty, followed...
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...China China remained very isolated, so its ability to learn was limited. This intellectual heritage stressed the basic harmony of nature: Every feature is balanced by an opposite, every yin by a yang. According to this philosophy, an individual should find a way, called Dao, to relate to this harmony. Patterns in Classical China China has maintained the clearest links to its classical past. Already a pattern was set in motion that lasted until the early part of the 20th century. Dynasties would start rule, develop strong political institutions, and encourage an active economy. But afterwards, the dynasty would grow weaker and tax revenues declined, while social divisions increased in the larger society. As one dynasty went down, another emerged and repeated the pattern. * Three dynasties covered the centuries of classical China: Zhou, Qin, and Han. Zhou The Zhou dynasty lasted from 1029 to 258 b.c.e. The dynasty only until about 700 b.c.e. flourished. They replaced the Shang rulers. It was then declined by political infrastructure and frequent invasions by nomadic people from border regions. * Government was not very powerful. * Rulers didn’t have the means to control their territories directly. * In exchange for land, supporters were supposed to provide the government with troops and tax revenues. * Extended territory by taking over the Yangtze river valley. (Middle Kingdom) * Wheat grew in the North and rice in the Southpopulation growth...
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...Brief History of China Prehistory Mythical Era Ancient Era Imperial Era Modern Era Introduction Chinese civilization originated in various city-states along the Yellow River Valley in the Neolithic era A history of 4700 years since Yellow Emperor during the period of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors; the written history of China begins with Shang Dynasty 3600 years ago when turtle shells with ancient Chinese writing were carbon dated in 1500BC Prehistory Peking Man Paleolithic – – – – China was inhabited by Homo erectus more than 1 million years ago The archaeological site of Xihoudu site in Shanxi Province is the earliest recorded of use of fire by Homo erectus 1.27 million years ago The excavations at Yuanmou and later Lantian show early habitation The most specimen of Homo erectus found in China is the so-called Peking Man discovered in 1965 Prehistory (cont.) Neolithic – – – – – – Stone Tools The Neolithic age traced back to 10,000 BC Early evidence for proto-Chinese millet agriculture is carbon-dated to about 7,000 BC Population was increased due to agriculture, the ability to store and redistribute crops and to support specialist craftsmen and administrators In late Neolithic times, the Yellow River valley began to establish itself as a culture center, and the first villages were founded Early history of China is complicated by the lack of a written language during this period At Damaidi site in Ningxia, 3172 cliff carvings dating to...
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...Brief History of China Prehistory Mythical Era Ancient Era Imperial Era Modern Era Introduction Chinese civilization originated in various city-states along the Yellow River Valley in the Neolithic era A history of 4700 years since Yellow Emperor during the period of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors; the written history of China begins with Shang Dynasty 3600 years ago when turtle shells with ancient Chinese writing were carbon dated in 1500BC Prehistory Peking Man Paleolithic – – – – China was inhabited by Homo erectus more than 1 million years ago The archaeological site of Xihoudu site in Shanxi Province is the earliest recorded of use of fire by Homo erectus 1.27 million years ago The excavations at Yuanmou and later Lantian show early habitation The most specimen of Homo erectus found in China is the so-called Peking Man discovered in 1965 Prehistory (cont.) Neolithic – – – – – – Stone Tools The Neolithic age traced back to 10,000 BC Early evidence for proto-Chinese millet agriculture is carbon-dated to about 7,000 BC Population was increased due to agriculture, the ability to store and redistribute crops and to support specialist craftsmen and administrators In late Neolithic times, the Yellow River valley began to establish itself as a culture center, and the first villages were founded Early history of China is complicated by the lack of a written language during this period At Damaidi site in Ningxia...
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...Dzou Yen, or Zou Yan, was an admired alchemist from China born in 305 BC. China was the third independent location to discover and pursue the study of Alchemy with Dzou Yen at the forefront. He lived during the Zhou dynasty. At the height of his popularity, during the 4th century BC, he was credited with many things including being an incredibly talented and intelligent human being. He was remembered as being just as, or nearly as, skilled as Nicholas Flamel in the ways of alchemy. His main alchemical claim to fame is the possibility that he was able to transmute base metals to noble metals, the feat which made him as famous an alchemist as Flamel, as this was something only these two are rumored to have been able to achieve. His writings were very influential to the Chinese. They laid the foundation for both healing and geomancy as they were practiced in China. He also recorded his thoughts and philosophies on the 5 Chinese elements (metal, wood, water, fire and earth) as well as the importance of ying and yang to these elements. Unfortunately, his recordings of his findings were very difficult to understand....
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