ancient china Flashcards
What is the study of the basic ideas and beliefs of society?
philosophy
Philosophy explores fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language.
What is a military leader who controls an area of land called?
warlord
Warlords often exert significant influence and power over their territories.
What is the belief that the right to rule comes from the gods?
Mandate of Heaven
This concept was used to justify the rule of the emperor in ancient China.
What idea emphasizes that children should honor and care for their parents?
filial piety
This concept is a key aspect of Confucianism.
What is a symbol or picture in a writing system that combines two or more pictographs to express an idea?
ideograph
Ideographs are often used in Chinese writing to convey complex concepts.
What is a symbol or picture in a writing system that represents an object?
pictograph
Pictographs are the earliest forms of writing and are used in various ancient cultures.
Who are the upper class citizens who hold wealth and power?
aristocrats
Aristocrats typically have privileges and influence in society.
What is a person that someone is descended from called?
ancestor
Ancestors play an important role in many cultures, influencing family traditions and values.
Which dynasty began the process of building the Great Wall of China?
Qin
The Qin dynasty initiated the construction of the Great Wall to protect against invasions.
How did Han Wudi reform the government during the Han dynasty?
He established a competitive hiring system based on a person’s skill, not their status or wealth
This reform was significant in promoting meritocracy.
Duty to one’s family and practice good actions are ideas practiced by what philosophy?
Confucius
Confucianism emphasizes moral integrity and the importance of family relationships.
Which major trade route spread goods from China to parts of the Middle East, Africa, and Europe?
Silk Road
The Silk Road was crucial for cultural, commercial, and technological exchange.
Did the Great Wall of China keep the Mongols from invading?
no
The Great Wall was not entirely effective in preventing invasions.
What job was held by the majority of people in China?
farmers
Agriculture was the backbone of the Chinese economy for centuries.
In Buddhism, what needs to be followed to help a person reach Nirvana?
Eightfold path
The Eightfold Path consists of practices leading to enlightenment.
Did China share the process for making silk with other civilizations?
no
The secret of silk production was closely guarded in ancient China.
Who created Daoism?
Laozi
Laozi is traditionally regarded as the founder of Daoism, emphasizing harmony with the Dao.
What is a state of perfect peace, according to Buddhism?
Nirvana
Nirvana represents liberation from the cycle of rebirth and suffering.
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 the challenges posed by Buddhism and Daoism.
Who created the philosophy of legalism?
Han Feizi
Legalism emphasized strict laws and harsh punishments to maintain order.
Who was a fierce Mongol leader who invaded China?
Genghis Khan
Genghis Khan founded the Mongol Empire, which became the largest contiguous empire in history.
What was invented in the Zhou dynasty that helped soldiers stay securely on their horses when riding into battle?
Stirrups
Stirrups improved cavalry tactics and military effectiveness.
