ancient china Flashcards
What is the study of the basic ideas and beliefs of society?
Confucianism
Confucianism emphasizes moral integrity and the importance of family and social harmony.
What is a military leader who controls an area of land called?
Warlord
Warlords often gained power during times of instability or conflict.
What belief holds that the right to rule comes from the gods?
Mandate of Heaven
This concept justified the rule of emperors in ancient China.
What is the idea that children should honor and care for their parents?
Filial piety
Filial piety is a key virtue in Confucianism.
What is a symbol or picture in a writing system that combines two or more pictographs to express an idea?
Ideograph
Ideographs are used in Chinese characters.
What is a symbol or picture in a writing system that represents an object?
Pictograph
Pictographs are the earliest form of written communication.
What are upper class citizens who hold wealth and power called?
Aristocrats
Aristocrats often played significant roles in governance and society.
What dynasty began the process of building the Great Wall of China?
Qin
The Qin dynasty initiated the construction to protect against invasions.
How did Han Wudi of the Han dynasty reform the government?
He established a competitive hiring system based on a person’s skill not their status or wealth
This reform was a significant step towards meritocracy.
What philosophy emphasized duty to one’s family and practice of good actions?
Confucianism
Confucianism advocates for moral development and social responsibility.
Which major trade route spread goods from China to parts of the Middle East, Africa, and Europe?
Silk Road
The Silk Road facilitated cultural and economic exchanges.
Did the Great Wall of China keep the Mongols from invading?
No
The Great Wall was not entirely effective against the Mongol invasions.
What job was held by the majority of people in China?
Farmers
Agriculture was the backbone of the ancient Chinese economy.
What needs to be followed in Buddhism to help a person reach Nirvana?
Eightfold Path
The Eightfold Path consists of principles to guide ethical conduct and mental development.
Did China share the process for making silk with other civilizations?
No
The secret of silk production was closely guarded.
Who created Daoism?
Laozi
Laozi is considered the founder of Daoism and author of the Dao De Jing.
What is a state of perfect peace, according to Buddhism?
Nirvana
Nirvana represents the ultimate goal of Buddhist practice.
What philosophy combined the ideas of Daoism and Buddhism?
Neo-Confucianism
Neo-Confucianism emerged during the Song dynasty as a response to 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 and is known for his military strategies.
What was invented in the Zhou dynasty that helped soldiers stay securely on their horses?
Stirrups
Stirrups improved cavalry effectiveness in battle.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is a major river in China also known as Huang He.
Yellow River
The Yellow River is often called the cradle of Chinese civilization.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is the longest river in China.
Yangtze River
The Yangtze River is crucial for transportation and agriculture.
What are the names of the following geographical features in China? A) _______
Pacific Ocean
The Pacific Ocean lies to the east of China.
What are the names of the following geographical features in China? B) _______
South China Sea
The South China Sea is vital for maritime trade.
What are the names of the following geographical features in China? C) _______
Yellow Sea
The Yellow Sea separates China from the Korean Peninsula.
What are the names of the following geographical features in China? D) _______
Yellow River
The Yellow River is known for its yellow silt, which enriches the soil.
What are the names of the following geographical features in China? E) _______
Yangtze River
The Yangtze River is also known as Chang Jiang.
What are the names of the following geographical features in China? F) _______
Himalayas Mountains
The Himalayas form a natural barrier between China and South Asia.
What are the names of the following geographical features in China? G) _______
Gobi Desert
The Gobi Desert is one of the largest deserts in the world.
