Ancient China Flashcards
Study
What are the two main rivers in China?
Hang He River (Yellow River) Chang Jiang River (Yangtze River).
Why is China isolated from other countries?
Harsh desserts, oceans and Himalayan mountains.
Name two deserts
Gobi desert and Taklimakan desert.
2 Bodies of water surrounding China
Japan Sea and East China Sea.
Main characteristics of Outer China
Harsh deserts, mountains, hard to grow crop.
Main characteristics of Inner China
Plains to grow crops, able to raise animals, near water.
What was the name of the first Dynasty in China
The Shang Dynasty.
What did the archeologists find in the city of Anyang
Metal, tombs, temples, and jade.
Why did they believe in human sacrifices?
They believed in human sacrifices because they thought they should serve their master in the afterlife.
Who led the Shang government?
The Shang government was led by a powerful kind/leader.
What where the prisoners of war used for?
The prisoners of war were used for laborers and human sacrifices.
What tool made the army so strong?
Tools out of bronze are what made the army so strong.
What groups made up the social classes in the Shang Dynasty?
King and his relatives at the top, Nobles, Artisans, Traders, Farmers, Slaves.
What was their religion centered on?
Their religion was centered on Ancestor Worship.
What are oracle bones?
Oracle bones are Chinese writing.
2 examples of artwork during Shang Dynasty
Vessels, geometric designs and mythical pictures.
What Dynasty took over after the Shang?
The Zhou Dynasty.
Define-Mandate from heaven
A power of law that is believed to be granted by the heavens.
Define-Feudalism
A system of government based on landowners and tenants.
Define-The warring states period
The “Warring States Period” is were small states combine together with 6-7 states with larger ones to fight for power.
Define-Confucianism
A philosophy that emphasizes proper behavior.
What are Anetects?
Anetects are books that have Confucius sayings.
What are the main teachings of Confucianism
Respect your rulers, parents, elders, and ceremonies are important.
What are the main teachings of Daosim?
The main teachings are that “people gained happiness or peace by living in harmony or agreement.”
What is another name for Daosim?
Another name is Taosim.
Define- Yin and Yang
Yin and Yang are the Daoist concept of opposing forces of nature.
What are the main teachings of Legalism?
The main teachings of Legalism are people are naturally selfish, left to themselves and they will always pursue on their own.
Why was Legalism adopted?
They wanted to build a strong society where people would obey the laws.
Who was the first emperor of China?
Qin Shi Huang
How did Qin conquer other stats
He conquered other states by using Military might.
What philosophy did Qin believe in?
Qin believed in Legalism.
How did he divide China into sections?
He divided China into sections by dividing the two commanderies and prefectures , he implemented this system to centralize power and manage the vast territory efficiently.
What is “Standardizing The Culture?”
“Standardizing The Culture” means a loss of a culture voice that would name one’s world in sound and images.
Three ways the culture was standardized.
Weights and measures the coinage and their writing system.
Why was the “Great Wall” built?
The “Great Wall Of China” was built because they would need to keep out the invasions from the north.
How long did it take to build the “Great Wall”? and what were the work conditions?
It took 2,500 years and they had to work in “extreme heat or cold.”
What did emperor Qin do to those that believed in Confucianism.
He would burn their books and put a tatoo and send them to labor.
What artifacts were found in Emperor Qins Tomb?
Their were Terra-Cotta soldiers/animals.
Why did the Han Dynasty come to power?
Chinese people were unhappy with harsh Legalist rules.
What was the “Golden Age” of China?
Long period of stability and wealth.
What are 3 achievements in Warfare?
New weapons, Captured lands, Civil service.
What are 2 changes in the Chinese government?
Civil service, Government structure.
What are 2 achievements in agriculture?
Iron Plow, Wheelbarrow.
What were 2 main industries in China?
Iron Working, Paper Making.
What major advancements happened in art and how did it affect people?
paintings on standing room-divider screens and on rolls or scrolls of silk.
What are 2 achievements in medicine?
herbal medicine, acupuncture.
