Chapter 5- Early society in East Asia Flashcards
What happened in the Zhou dynasty?
- Rulers tried to centralize Chinese gov’t even more
- Yangtze river valley was added to chin. Territory
- emperors form, called themselves ‘sons of heaven’
- standardized the spoken language
During what time did the Zhou dynasty have power?
From 1029 to 258 BCE
The early dynasties in East Asia…
Were hereditary states that controlled large areas.
Describe the Shang dynasty.
- bronze monopoly
- built army w/ surplus
- had oracle bones
Describe Zhou dynasty.
- mandate of heaven
- decentralized monarchy (poli. organ.)
What is the Mandate of Heaven?
The concept that god gave the emperor the right to rule but if the king doesn’t govern properly he can be overthrown.
How did Zhou dynasty decline?
It became more independent —> losing ctrl —> invasions —> defeat of Zhou —> warring states period
Why were there social inequalities in ancient china?
Bc agri. —> wealth —> inequalities
How does the social structure in ancient china go?
1.ruling elites & aristocrats, 2. specialized laborers 3. merchants & traders 4. peasants (didn’t own land-feudal) 5. slaves (hard labor)
Was importance of extended family emphasized?
Yes, & ancestor veneration was also emphasized
What was the main religion in ancient china?
There was NO organized religion
What was the role of women in the Shang & Zhou dynasties?
They didn’t have a role because they became less important
How was china influenced?
Through trade, migration & expansion.
What did ancient china introduce to other people?
They introduced bronze, chariots & horses.
