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Times

China in Ancient and Classical Times. Times. World History, Mrs. Bloom. I. Geography: most isolated ancient civilization A. Himalayan mountains. B. Gobi Desert. C. Pacific Ocean. *note*.

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Times

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  1. China in Ancient and Classical Times Times World History, Mrs. Bloom

  2. I. Geography: most isolated ancient civilization A. Himalayan mountains

  3. B. Gobi Desert

  4. C. Pacific Ocean

  5. *note* • Chinese society has always required a high degree of cooperation to feed its people, since historically, its population has been concentrated in the CENTRAL and EASTERN regions. • Look at the following two maps to speculate why.

  6. Population distribution today

  7. II. Ancient China A. Huang he/Yellow River

  8. B. Frequent threat of invasion by nearby nomads

  9. C. China’s first dynasty: Shang dynasty 1. Laid the foundation for Chinese civilization 2. Tradition of prayers to the spirits of their ancestors to bring good fortune.

  10. 3. Some earliest examples of Chinese writing are on oracle bones

  11. 4. These pictographs and ideographs evolved into calligraphy

  12. III. Classical China: The Zhou Dynasty • Justified rebellion against the Shang via the Mandate of Heaven (claiming that the gods gave them the right to rule) (note: Zhou is pronounced “Joe”)

  13. The Mandate of Heaven became adopted into Chinese culture to explain why floods, famine, and other catastrophes occurred (evidence that the gods no longer favored that dynasty, duty of the people to overthrow them).

  14. C. Middle Kingdom China’s core: between the Yellow and the Yangzi River

  15. IV. The short-lived Qin Dynasty • Origin of the name “China” • Strict rule brought necessary order • Centralized power to unite this vast region (Qin is pronounced “Chin”)

  16. V. The Han Dynasty • Reaction to brutality of Qin dynasty • “Golden Age” of early Chinese civilization C. “Silk Road” began in this period, linking China to the west

  17. D. Strong bureaucracy based on Confucianism: ethical and political system

  18. 1. Civil service exams: well-educated government officials (scholar-gentry), “meritocracy”

  19. 2. Loyalty and cohesion at all levels of society a. Central government directly appointed officials b. Local cohesion: civic duty 1. local leaders 2. *filial piety i. importance of extended family ii. patriarchal

  20. VI. Philosophy and Religion in China

  21. A. Confucianism: a philosophy, not a religion • Analects • Promoted social harmony via rituals and social relationships

  22. Treat those above you in the social hierarchy with respect and set a good example for those below you. *This includes rulers!! • Proper behavior will bring order, peace and stability to the Chinese. • Confucianism is still very influential in Chinese society today

  23. Confucius says, “Do unto others as your status and theirs dictate.” “When a prince’s personal conduct is correct, his government is effective without the issuing of orders. If his personal conduct is not correct, he may issue orders, but they will not be followed.”

  24. Confucius says… “Forget injuries, never forget kindness.” “When we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inward and examine ourselves.” “When anger rises, think of the consequences.”

  25. B. Daoism: “the way” 1. Lao-tzu 2. Sought to live in harmony with nature (“go with the flow”).

  26. 3. Chinese worldview: the universe reflected a delicate balance between yin (earth, darkness and female forces) and yang (heaven, light, and male forces).

  27. Daoism… 4. not interested in politics or the government, or other “worldly affairs” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NitBpJaom5k

  28. Star Wars, Yoda and Daoism http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmGhSdHJ41U&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fE8PieLJttY&NR=1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4hb7NcrJzQ

  29. “The universe is sacred. You cannot improve it. If you try to change it, you will ruin it. If you try to hold it, you will lose it.” -Lao Tzu

  30. 5. Daoist influence on Chinese culture a. Architecture: feng shui http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vX-GvCHdYQM&feature=player_embedded

  31. b. Medical theories/practices: 1. Tai Chi http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAe95N3T8q8 2. Acupuncture

  32. C. Many people adopted a blend of Confucianism and Daoism

  33. D. Legalism 1. Advocates believed that people are inherently (born) evil, must learn how to be good.

  34. Legalism… 2. Promoted strict laws and harsh punishments. Rulers should be strong.

  35. 3. This philosophy is most associated with the Qin dynasty -Great Wall of China laborers

  36. VII. Technological achievements: A. Accurate calendar

  37. B. Silk making (which became China’s most valuable export, thus the name of the Silk Road)

  38. C. Paper, Books

  39. D. Regulation and standardization • Coins • Weights • Measures

  40. E. Astronomy F. Shipbuilding G. Stirrups

  41. H. Terrace agriculture

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