Classical Civilizations

1. Classical Civilizations India and China

2. Differences between Classical and Preceding Era Each classical civilization was separate but there was trade between them. What occurred within each civilization makes this period what it is, not the interaction between them

3. India

4. Classical india • Harappan civilization developed along the Indus river. • Scientists believe the civilization ended because of earthquakes and changes in climate.

5. Aryans • The Aryans migrated (relocated to a new region) to India • They were nomads who spoke Sanskrit.

6. Aryans shift to the Ganges River

7. Aryan Society • The Aryan society was divided into classes. • A social class that a person belongs to by birth is called a caste.

8. The Caste system • Level 1: The Brahmins (priests) • Level 2: The Kshatriyas (warriors/nobles) • Level 3: The Vaisyas (traders and farmers) • Level 4: The Sudras (common laborers) • Untouchables: This group included those that worked at “unclean” jobs.

9. Aryan Religion • The Aryan religion was Brahmanism. • The Aryan’s wrote the Vedas, a collection of songs to their gods. • Over time Brahmanism developed into Hinduism.

10. Hinduism • Holy book - The Bhagavad Gita • Beliefs – Polytheistic (many gods) • Reincarnation – each person has many lives • Karma – Your actions in this life decide your next life • Many paths to God – You can reach God in many ways

11. Buddhism • Buddhism developed in India • Based on teaching of Siddhartha Gautama who became Buddha. • Leader – Buddha (enlightened one) • Nirvana – perfect peace

12. Mauryan Empire • Chandraguptatook control of India along the Ganges in 322 BC • Established the Mauryan Empire • Used the military and spies to stay in power • His grandson, Ashoka, became the greatest ruler in Indian history (269- 232 BC)

13. The Mauryan Empire at its height

14. Mauryan Empire • Ashoka’s accomplishments • Control over most of India • Converted to Buddhism (emphasis on Dharma- the law of moral consequences) • Spread Buddhism throughout his empire • He worked for the welfare of his people

15. Gupta Empire • Chandra Gupta II was the greatest ruler of the family. • The caste system helped them maintain order without the need for government • Used negotiations and marriage to expand influence instead of war • Their period was one of peace and prosperity

16. Indian achievements • Indian astronomers identified seven planets, • Developed steel that was better than any produced elsewhere • The Indian number systemis the one we use today. • Architecture developed use of stones and use of pyramid shaped roof (not flat) • Spread their culture through trade

17. Important people and Things • Mohandas Gandhi – practiced ahimsa (nonviolence) and lead India to independence from Britain through nonviolent protests. • Kalidasa – great writer of plays • Drama – Men and women performed dramas through India. • Art and Sculpture – based on Hindu and Buddhist subjects

18. Angkor Wat - Cambodia

20. Early Development • Developed along river valleys between Yangtze and Huang He rivers • Isolated by mountains, deserts, and water • Few outside influences

21. The Shang Dynasty • Shang family started a dynasty (a family or group that rules for several generations) • Spoke to the gods through oracle bones (animal bones) • Writing style was pictographs (drawings that represent words or ideas)

22. The Shang Dynasty

23. 1029 – 258 BCE • Zhou people, led by Wu Wang, defeated the Shang family. • Gained control through Mandate of Heaven(idea that when a ruler was bad they would lose heaven’s favor) • Government – Zhou put family members or friends in charge of regions as lords.

24. Philosophies - Legalism • Legalism - • Efficient and powerful government is needed for social order • Harsh punishments are needed to keep social order • Ideas should be controlled by the government

25. Philosophies - Confucianism • Confucianism – Led by Confucius • Social order and good government should be based on family relationships • Respect for elders helps to create order in society • Education helps to improve both individuals and society

26. Philosophies - Daoism • Daoism – Led by Laozi • The natural order (relationship among all living things) matters more than social order • A universal force called Dao (the way) guides all things • Humans should learn to live in harmony with nature.

28. Established and ruled by Qin Shi Huangdi(first true emperor) • Expansion through conquering • Followed Legalism • Began construction of the Great Wall • Buried with army of terracotta soldiers.

29. Built highways and irrigation projects • Set high taxes to pay for projects • Set standard weights and measures, coins and writing Qin “knife”/ money

30. 201 BCE to 220 CE • Led by Liu Bang • Kept Qin’s centralized government • Set up a bureaucracy – a system of departments to carry out the work of government • Established civil service exam based on ideals of Confucianism

31. 141 BC to 87 BC • Wudi expanded the empire through war • Practiced assimilation (adopt the cultural or social traditions of a group) • Forced Chinese farmers to marry conquered people and taught them Confucianism

32. Expanded trade on Silk Road(trade routes along which silk and other Chinese goods were traded) • Shared culture by coming into contact with traders • Buddhism spread through missionaries on the Silk Roads

33. Chinese Achievements • Improved the plow • Developed wheelbarrow and water mills • Invented paper • Developed silk