Ancient China Glossary Terms Flashcards

1
Q

Buddhism

A

A religion or philosophy from India, brought to ancient China in the 1st century that promotes the idea of reaching the state of nirvana, free from hurt or pain

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2
Q

Confucianism

A

A Chinese philosophy based on the teaching of Confucius, which was a code of behaviour, promoting the ideas of obedience, honouring ancestors and elders, respecting traditions, family relationships and fairness

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3
Q

Daoism

A

A Chinese philosophy based on the writings of Lao-Tzu that promoted meditation and exercise to create a balance of yin (female) and tang (male) in oneself

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4
Q

Emperor

A

The title of someone who rules an empire; Ancient Rome and ancient China had emperors

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5
Q

Empire

A

A group of countries or areas, often with different languages and having different cultures, that are ruled by a central power or leader (known as an emperor or empress)

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6
Q

Hang He River

A

Also known as The Yellow River, one of the two major river systems in China which supported agriculture and economic development

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7
Q

Legalism

A

Enforcing strict laws or rules that are limiting on personal freedoms, usually involving severe punishments, as was the case under the rule of Emperor Qin

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8
Q

Mandate of Heaven

A

A theory in ancient China that those wh were in power were given the right (or blessing) to rule by a devine power

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9
Q

Standardisation

A

The process of making something common to a standard; as within the Qin dynasty, where weights, measures, currency and language were made common across China

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10
Q

The gong

A

The third class if ancient Chinese society, consisting of artisans and craftspeople, who were well regarded for the skills

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11
Q

The Great Wall

A

A defensive stone wall built in China’s north to protect the nation from invasion.

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12
Q

The nong

A

The second highest class of ancient Chinese society, consisting of farmers, who were highly respected for the work they did to feed the population

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13
Q

The shang

A

The lowest class of ancient Chinese society, consisting of merchants who were wealthy but considered to be people who did not contribute

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14
Q

The shi

A

The highest class in ancient Chinese society beneath the imperial family, consisting of nobles and officials

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15
Q

The Silk Road

A

A trade route stretching west from china to the Mediterranean Sea; it was the main way in which silk was introduced to the west

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16
Q

Unification

A

The process of becoming united, used to describe the Qin dynasty’s victory over the seven warring states, making China one country

17
Q

Warring states period

A

A time of civil war within china between the many states resulting in seven that came to dominate; a period of constant war between 481 and 221 BCE