Yellow River Valley and Early China Geography Rivers

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Yellow River Valley and Early China

Yellow River Valley and Early China

Geography • Rivers • 2 major river systems • Huang He (Yellow River) in

Geography • Rivers • 2 major river systems • Huang He (Yellow River) in the North and Yangzi in the South • Terrain- Large open plains • Rich soil (loess) from frequent flooding

Development of Civilization • Agriculture begins around 8000 BCE • Millet (used for gruel,

Development of Civilization • Agriculture begins around 8000 BCE • Millet (used for gruel, bread, or noodles) • Rice cultivation began in 7000 BCE around the Yangzi • Earliest civilizations focused around the Yellow River Valley • Made up of small tribal groups

Traits of Early Civilization • Isolated • Lived in walled cities • By 2000

Traits of Early Civilization • Isolated • Lived in walled cities • By 2000 BCE craftsmen mastered making bronze tools (machetes, shovels, and plow-blades, and mirrors) • Religion • Made offerings of food and drink to the gods and ancestors • Oracle bones • Writing • Found on Oracle bones • Limited Trade

Cultural Diversity • Each region of early China was distinct • Yangzi Region •

Cultural Diversity • Each region of early China was distinct • Yangzi Region • Silkworms were used to produce silk • Craftsmen made jade art • Some regions had interlocking city networks

Dynastic Cycle • Xia (shah) Dynasty 2070 -1600 BCE • first “legendary” (not sure

Dynastic Cycle • Xia (shah) Dynasty 2070 -1600 BCE • first “legendary” (not sure if it existed) dynasty • Not many written records • Ruled by Emperor Yu • systems for irrigation & draining of flood waters

Shang Dynasty (1766 -1045 BCE) First great/ ture dynasty First to keep written records

Shang Dynasty (1766 -1045 BCE) First great/ ture dynasty First to keep written records Known for architecture Agrarian (farming) society Ruled by a King and aristocracy Central government oversaw irrigation & flood control of the city • Walled city, elaborate palaces and tombs • Ancestor worship • • •

Zhou Dynasty (1045 -256 BCE) • • Longest ruling dynasty in Chinese history! Mandate

Zhou Dynasty (1045 -256 BCE) • • Longest ruling dynasty in Chinese history! Mandate of Heaven Feudal system (nobles & peasants) Centralized government Mandarin language Confucius (famous philosopher) lived during this era Final Centuries were violent: known as the Warring States Period

Early River Valley Civilizations Early River Valley CivilizationsEarly River Valley Civilizations Early River Valley Civilizations
Ancient China The Yellow River Valley Ancient RiverAncient China The Yellow River Valley Ancient River
Rivers River Features V Shaped Valley Rivers beginRivers River Features V Shaped Valley Rivers begin
Yellow River Yangtze River Yellow Sea of JapanYellow River Yangtze River Yellow Sea of Japan
Yellow River Yangtze River Yellow Sea of JapanYellow River Yangtze River Yellow Sea of Japan
Yellow River Civilization Shang Dynasty Location Yellow RiverYellow River Civilization Shang Dynasty Location Yellow River
Early River Valley Civilizations 4 River Valley CivilizationsEarly River Valley Civilizations 4 River Valley Civilizations
Early River Valley Civilizations 4 River Valley CivilizationsEarly River Valley Civilizations 4 River Valley Civilizations
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Chinas River Valley Civilization Huang He Yellow RiverChinas River Valley Civilization Huang He Yellow River
Chinas River Valley Civilization Huang He Yellow RiverChinas River Valley Civilization Huang He Yellow River
Yellow journalism By Tyler Silver Yellow journalism YellowYellow journalism By Tyler Silver Yellow journalism Yellow
CHINA 1 Huang He River AKA Yellow RiverCHINA 1 Huang He River AKA Yellow River