Download Huange He River Valley

HUANGE HE RIVER VALLEY
IMPACT OF GEOGRAPHY
The Huange He, aka. the Yellow River or River of Great Sorrow
due to tragedy brought by destructive floods. However, silt
deposits made the plains fertile for agriculture.
Isolation: China’s rugged physical feature hindered cultural
diffusion into and out of China for many centuries.
Zhong Guo/Middle Kingdom
China’s lack of outside contacts allowed the Chinese to develop
one culture across many regions and a strong sense of identity.
SHANG DYNASTY/ZHOU DYNASTY
What we know about the Ancient Chinese civilization come from
archaeological evidence.
Many myths also help to explain their remote past: Yu the Great—see
reading in packet
The first dynasty to be dated by written records is the Shang---17001000 BC.
Theocracy: Shang leaders were both political leaders and high priests
Complicated written language—most people were illiterate
Accomplished artisans and artists
Overtaken by the Zhou in 1000 BC—ruled 800 years
MANY CENTURIES OF DYNASTIES
Chinese history is organized by ruling
dynasties
The Chinese believed that their rulers governed
according to the Mandate of Heaven, which allowed
rulers to remain in power as long as they were
effective.