Dynasties of Ancient China World History Geography n

Dynasties of Ancient China World History

Geography n Geographically isolated to some extent. n Huang He (Yellow River) and Chiang jiang (Yangtze) rivers flood quite often.

How did China’s geography affect its early development?

How did China’s geography affect its early development? n Long rivers…. n Fertile soil…. n Temperate climate…. n Isolated valleys…. *** All helped their civilization to flourish!

Xia Dynasty (Approx. 4000 yrs ago) n Ruler: Yu n Irrigation and drained floodwaters n Beginning of Chinese civilization n No written records – existence is by legend

Shang Dynasty (1750 -1122 B. C. ) n Ruler: Wu Ding n Developments: n n impressive cities & mastery with the art of bronze casting Farming society ruled by a king and an aristocracy Capital was Anyang Warlords governed territories Ancestor worship developed

Zhou Dynasty (1122 -256 B. C. ) (era of warring states) n Developments: longest lived n n n dynasty (800+ years); claimed the Mandate of Heaven Emperors called themselves “Sons of Heaven” Linguistic unity – Mandarin was standardized Daoism & Confucianism related to politics Trade expanded to distant regions Set up an agricultural system (nobles & peasants) A. K. A. feudalism

Zhou Dynasty (1122 -256 B. C. ) (era of warring states) n Expanded Chinese territory n n n to Yangtze River Valley (wheat & rice growing areas added) Increased food production and use of iron Concept of the family grows in importance Chopsticks Use cavalry & crossbow Took steps to centralize government, but local leaders ignored central government