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Objectives • Analyze the impact of geography on the success of the empire of Ancient China • Identify the three main dynasties of Ancient China • Cite and explain each of the key advancements of the three main dynasties of Ancient China The Geography of China • Monsoons impact the climate • Isolated from other cultures by: – Gobi Desert in the North – The Himalayan Mountains to the West and South – Bodies of water to the East: • Yellow Sea, South China Sea, Pacific Ocean • Known as the “Middle kingdom” – believed they were in the middle of the world, surrounded by natural barriers on all sides Geography of China • Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia and third longest in the world • Huang or Yellow River is the second longest river in China – Loess – sedimentary soil that is formed by the accumulation of windblown silt (creates yellow-brown soil) – China’s Sorrow – River brought life, but also destructive floods • To control flooding, the Chinese built dikes (protective walls to hold back water) or Yellow Shanghai The Dynasties of Ancient China • 13 dynastic periods, Spanning 4,000 years • Mandate of Heaven: a traditional Chinese philosophical concept concerning the legitimacy of rulers – Similar to “divine right of kings” – Heaven would bless the authority of a just rule The First Dynasties • The Shang Dynasty – built China’s first cities – Irrigation and farming – Known for their bronze work – Developed the first Chinese writing system • Oracle Bones – Created a social pyramid Emperor Military Nobles Priests Merchants Farmers The Shang Dynasty The Qin (Ch’in) Dynasty • Prior to the Qin Dynasty, China had broken into 7 warring kingdoms • Shi Huangdi merged the kingdoms to unify China, and was the first true emperor – To protect China from nomadic invaders along the northern border, he ordered the construction of the Great Wall of China, but did not complete the project. – Abided by the philosophy of Legalism • People are evil at their core, and the state is more important than the individual – Created a “Terra Cotta Army” at his burial necropolis Legalism 法家 • Legalism is based on three principles: 1. 2. Fa 法 - The law code must be clearly written and made public. Shu 術 - Special tactics and "secrets" are to be employed by the ruler to 3. make sure others don't take over control of the state. Shi 勢 - It is the position of the ruler, not the ruler himself or herself, that holds the power. Qin Dynasty Ming Dynasty Hey guys! The Terra Cotta Army Terracotta Warriors in un-restored condition, Qin Shi Huang Di's Mausoleum Mound. This is the stairway up the mound. The Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum is about 1 mile from here. Han Dynasty • Dynasty lasts 400 years • Liu Pang – overthrew the Qin Dynasty and became emperor (202 BC) – Not a heavy-handed ruler (abandons Legalism for Confucianism) – Establishes imperial university • Wu Ti – Liu Pang’s great grandson and Emperor – – – – Ruled from age 15-65 as the “Warrior Emperor” Expanded the empire Created a public school system (for boys only) Silk Road to the west The Silk Road • Connected Asia with the Mediterranean and European world, as well as parts of North Africa • Extends 4,000 miles long • In addition to silk, many other goods were traded, as well as various technologies, religions and philosophies The Silk Road Tang Dynasty • China’s Golden Age – Greatest age for Chinese poetry – Buddhism reaches its peak • Also Taoism and Confucianism – Men granted equal allotments of land in exchange for taxes – Did not have to be a noble to hold a high position; government exams – Borders expand from Korea to central Asia (present day Afghanistan) Tang Dynasty • Kingdom eventually dissolves into 10 different kingdoms – Feuds within the government, assassination plots, etc. leave the empire vulnerable to invasion.