China Flashcards
China
Most remote/enduring civilization. (3,500 years)
They lived very isolated from the world for many years. Originally called “zhong guo” or “the Middle Kingdom”, why?
They believed they were the center of the civilized world
1/3 of China is mountains. 2 major mountains
Kun lun, and tian Shan
1/5 desert, Goni desert
1/10 of China is suitable for farming, rely on trade
2 major rivers (east)
Huange he ( yellow ) - largest - deposites of loess (yellow soil)
Chang Jian (Yangtze)
Huange he is known as:
“The Great Sorrow” cuz river is violent and unpredictable causing great flooding
Chinese myth, first man ever born from an egg is known as
Pan Gu, founder of China
According to legend, China’s first dynasty was started by:
“Yu the Great”, named Xia (2,000 BC)
1st OFFICIAL dynasty to have written record was called the:
“Shang” (1700 - 1027 bc)
Chang tang - founder of the dynasty
Originally, the ruler’s title was “wang” (big man)
-Anyang was the major capitol city
Religion: Ancestral worship!!! Chinese thought they had magical powers that they used against them
Had to appease them (keep happy) for good fortune
The FAMILY is the center of The Chinese society.
What was everything owned and controlled by?
Elders. Great respect
2 types of ppl, nobles and peasants
Oracle bones; used to obtain advice and predict the future
Earliest examples of their writing
Pictographs, between 1,500 and 10,000 characters
Who overthrew the Shang dynasty become the 2nd dynasty?
“Wu” established the Zhou dynasty (1027)
Time of piece and harmony
Many improvements in technology and trade
