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Understanding the Dynastic Cycle in Ancient China

Explore the key phases of the Dynastic Cycle in Ancient China, from ascent to decline, and how it shapes Chinese history. Discover the political structures and cultural contributions of the Zhou and Qin Dynasties, along with the advancements and connections during the Han Dynasty.

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Understanding the Dynastic Cycle in Ancient China

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  1. Ancient China

  2. General Patterns of Chinese Histories • How long did a cycle last for most key dynasties? • How many phases are there? • What are the phases? • Can this be used to predict the future?

  3. A new dynasty comes to power. The emperorreforms the govt.& makes it moreefficient. Start here Emperor isdefeated !! Lives of common people improved;taxes reduced;farming encouraged. TheDynasticCycle Rebel bands findstrong leader whounites them.Attack the emperor. Problems begin(extensive wars,invasions, etc.) Poor loserespect for govt.They join rebels& attack landlords. Taxes increase;men forced towork for army.Farming neglected. Droughts,floods,famines occur. Govt. increasesspending; corruption.

  4. Zhou Dynasty 1027 - 256 BCE

  5. Western Zhou: 1027-771 BCE

  6. Eastern Zhou: 771-256 BCE

  7. Political Structure • The Zhou did not have a strong government • Asked local rulers and princes to rule for them • Land was given to rulers in exchange for soldiers and taxes • Relied heavily on local rulers, which made it hard for the Zhou to rule effectively

  8. Zhou Contribution to China’s History • Exteneded China’s borders past the Yangtze River Valley • Rich agricultural land with new crops • Legitimized their rule by claiming the Mandate of Heaven

  9. “T’ien Ming” The Mandate of Heaven • The leader must lead by ability and virtue. • The dynasty's leadership must be justified by succeeding generations. • The mandate could be revoked by negligence and abuse; the will of the people was important.

  10. Cultural Contribution • Banned human sacrifice • Promoted a language (Mandarin Chinese) • Confucius – Philosopher who wrote on China’s political ethics

  11. Qin Dynasty

  12. Qin [Ch’in] Dynasty, 221-206 B.C.E. • Qin Shi Huangdi (221-206 B.C.E) • Established China’s first empire  • Legalist rule  • Bureaucratic administration • Centralized control (control from one place) • Military expansion • Book burnings  targetedConfucianists • Buried protestors alive! • Built large section of the Great Wall

  13. Shi Huangdi • Ruled by appointing his followers to rule lands, not having alliances with local rulers • Carefully selected his officials • Standardized coins, weights and measurements • Was brutal and merciless, so when he died, revolts happened and his empire was overthrown

  14. Shi Huangdi’s Terra Cotta Army Supposed to guard him in the afterlife

  15. Shi Huangdi’s Terra Cotta Army

  16. Shi Huangdi’s Terra Cotta Soldiers& Cavalrymen

  17. Cavalry

  18. Individual Soldiers

  19. The Details of an Individual Soldier

  20. Individual “Tombs”

  21. The Great Wall with Towers

  22. The Eastern terminus of the Great Wall, Shanhai Pass

  23. Han Dynasty

  24. Han Dynasty, 206 B.C.E.-220 C.E. • “Paper invented [105 B.C.E.]  • Silk Road trade develops; improves life for many, trade with the rest of the world (Romans) • Buddhism introduced into China • Expanded into Central Asia

  25. Han – Roman Empire Connection

  26. Liu Sheng Tomb (d. 113 BCE) His jade suit has 2498 pieces!

  27. Emperor Wudi, 141-87 B.C.E. • Started public schools. • Colonized Manchuria, Korea, & Vietnam. • Revival of Chinese landscape painting.

  28. Ruling System • Civil Service System • To work in the government, you had to pass a test on Chinese literature, law • Most people who passed were upper class • Officials were trained in Chinese law and philosophy, so they could help keep an Emperor in control

  29. Han Artifacts Imperial Seal Han Ceramic House

  30. Ceramics, Later Han Period

  31. Trade Routes of the Ancient World

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