ACHIEVEMENTS OF ANCIENT CHINA ACHIEVEMENTS DURING THE SHANG

ACHIEVEMENTS OF ANCIENT CHINA

ACHIEVEMENTS DURING THE SHANG DYNASTY q Writing system o. The ancient Chinese wrote in pictographs and ideographs. §pictographs-characters that represent objects §Example: Chinese characters for the sun and moon are pictographs § ideographs-symbol that represents a thing or idea; they link two or more pictographs to express an idea §Example: The ideograph for “forest” combines three pictographs of the word “tree”. o. Most characters in the Chinese language represents pictograp ideograp entire h words. h

SHANG ARTS • During the Sang dynasty, the Chinese created objects made of bronze and are some of the finest bronzes ever made. • Artisans made clay molds, carved designs into the clay, joined the parts of the mold together, and poured in melted bronze. • They created sculptures, daggers, vases, ups, and urns. • Urns are large ceremonial containers that were used to prepare and serve food for ceremonies to honor their ancestors. • Farmers raised silk worms that produced silk that weavers would make into colorful clothing for the wealthy. • Artisans created vases and dishes from kaolin, a fine, white clay.

CHINESE INVENTIONS • The Chinese developed the saddle and stirrup so they could ride around the battlefield while throwing spears and shooting crossbows. • They invented the cast-iron plow, waterwheels to grind more grain, wheelbarrow to carry heave material on building sites, paper made from hemp or rag pulp. MEDICAL ADVANCES • Doctors discovered certain foods prevented disease and used a variety of herbs to treat illnesses. • Relieved pain by piercing patient’ skin at vital points with thin needles. • This is called acupuncture. • It renews the body by increasing the flow of energy.