Ancient China Flashcards
What is the study of the basic ideas and beliefs of society?
Philosophy
Philosophy examines fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, and reason.
What is a military leader who controls an area of land called?
Warlord
Warlords typically have their own armed forces and exercise control over a specific region.
What is the belief that the right to rule comes from the gods?
Mandate of Heaven
This concept was used in Chinese history to justify the rule of emperors.
What is the idea that children should honor and care for their parents?
Filial Piety
Filial piety is a key virtue in Confucianism, emphasizing respect for one’s parents and ancestors.
What is a symbol or picture in a writing system that combines two or more pictographs to express an idea called?
Ideographs
Ideographs are used in various writing systems, including Chinese characters.
What is a symbol or picture in a writing system that represents an object called?
Pictographs
Pictographs are the earliest form of written communication, depicting objects directly.
Who are the upper class citizens who hold wealth and power?
Aristocrats
Aristocrats often have privileges and influence over governance and societal norms.
What is a person that someone is descended from called?
Ancestors
Ancestors play a significant role in family lineage and cultural heritage.
Which dynasty began the process of building the Great Wall of China?
Qin Dynasty
The Qin Dynasty initiated the construction of the Great Wall to protect against invasions.
How did Han Wudi of the Han dynasty reform the government?
By changing the process behind appointing government officials
Han Wudi implemented merit-based appointments to enhance government efficiency.
Duty to one’s family, practice good actions, government offices open to all people are ideas practiced by what philosophy?
Confucianism
Confucianism emphasizes moral integrity and the importance of social relationships.
Which major trade route spread goods from China to parts of the Middle East, Africa and Europe?
The Silk Road
The Silk Road facilitated cultural exchange and trade between diverse civilizations.
Did the Great Wall of China keep the Mongols from invading?
No
Despite its construction, the Great Wall was not fully effective in preventing invasions.
What job was held by the majority of people in China?
Farmers
Agriculture was the backbone of the Chinese economy, employing most of the population.
In Buddhism, what needs to be followed to help a person reach Nirvana?
The Eightfold Path
The Eightfold Path consists of practices leading to enlightenment and liberation from suffering.
Did China share the process for making silk with other civilizations?
No
The secret of silk production was closely guarded for centuries.
Who created Daoism?
Laozi
Laozi is traditionally regarded as the founder of Daoism, focusing on harmony with the Dao (the Way).
What is a state of perfect peace, according to Buddhism?
Nirvana
Nirvana represents the ultimate goal of Buddhism, signifying liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
What philosophy combined the ideas of Daoism and Buddhism and taught that people should be concerned with life after death?
Neo-Confucianism
Neo-Confucianism emerged as a response to Buddhism and Daoism, emphasizing moral and ethical living.
Who created the philosophy of legalism?
Han Feizi
Legalism advocates for strict laws and harsh punishments to maintain order in society.
Who was a fierce Mongol leader who invaded China?
Genghis Khan
Genghis Khan united the Mongol tribes and led invasions that expanded his empire significantly.
What was invented in the Zhou dynasty that helped soldiers stay securely on their horses when riding into battle?
Stirrups
Stirrups improved cavalry effectiveness and changed warfare tactics during the Zhou dynasty.
