Ancient China Flashcards
Buddhism
Religion introduced from India
Idea of reaching the state of nirvana, free from hurt or pain (sort of afterlife)
Confucianism
Chinese philosophy/code of conduct
Ideas of obedience, honouring ancestors and elders, respecting traditions, family relationships and fairness
Daoism / Taoism
Chinese philosophy based on writings of Lao-Tzu
Ideas of meditation, exercise and a balance of yin and yang and that people should see themselves as a part of nature
Emperor
Someone who rules the empire
Ancient China and Rome had emperors
Huang He River
Aka Yellow River
One major river system of China
Supported agricultural and economic development
Legalism
Belief that people are weak selfish by nature, so strict rules were applied, which limit personal freedoms
Normally involves serve punishments
Mandate of Heaven
Individual to Ancient China
Belief that people in power were chosen by heaven and had heaven on their side
If heaven was displeased with the rulers actions, opposing families had the right to overthrow the current ruler
Standardisation
To make something standard
Eg. In Qin dynasty, all weights, measures, currency and language was made the same across the country
The Gong
Artisans and Craftspeople
3rd class
The Great Wall
Defensive stone wall built in the North, to protect China from opposing countries
The Nong
Farmers
2nd Class
“Respected” for the food they produced, which fed the nation
The Shang
Merchants
4th class - lowest
Not respected for their work, since China was a very self contained country
The Shi
Nobles and Officials
Highest class (under imperial family)
The Silk Road
A trade route stretching west from China, to the Mediterranean Sea
Main way silk was introduced into the West
Unification
Becoming united
Eg. In Qin dynasty, the victory of the warring states period, making China a unified country
