The Tang and Song Dynasty Flashcards
What was the main purpose of the civil service examination system?
To recruit civil officials based on merit and skill rather than connections
What were the ‘Five Studies’ tested in the civil service exams?
- Military strategy
- Civil law
- Revenue and taxation
- Agriculture
- Geography
Who could become a high-ranking government official in China?
Any male adult, regardless of wealth or social status, who passed the examination
Which Chinese Dynasty started the Civil Service System?
The Sui Dynasty
How did the civil service examination system contribute to a stable empire?
It ensured officials were chosen based on merit, leading to effective governance
What is the Silk Road?
A network of multiple routes connecting various settlements for trade and cultural exchange
Which regions did the Silk Road connect?
- China
- Persia
- India
- Greece
- Egypt
Who were the Scythians?
Nomadic tribes that interacted with ancient civilizations through trade and conflict
What was the Persian Royal Road?
A major trade route completed by Darius the First that facilitated faster communication and transportation
What significant event occurred in the 2nd century BCE involving Zhang Qian?
He returned with tales of sophisticated civilizations and prosperous trade beyond China’s borders
What were some cultural and ideological exchanges facilitated by the Silk Road?
- Buddhism migration to China and Japan
- Spread of Islam into South Asia
- Introduction of gunpowder to the Middle East
What led to the decline of the Silk Road?
Advancements in maritime technologies and the collapse of Mongol rule
How did the Tang and Song Dynasties contribute to technological advancement?
They were periods of innovation in art, science, philosophy, and technology
What was one of the main features of the Tang and Song Dynasties?
A strong central government that facilitated peace and trade
What economic changes occurred during the Song Dynasty?
Shift from an agricultural economy to a commercial economy with increased trade
What were three of China’s four great inventions from the Song Dynasty?
- Printing
- Magnetic compass
- Gunpowder
What role did poetry play during the Tang and Song Dynasties?
It was emphasized in civil service exams and viewed as a sophisticated form of expression
What tasks did students need to complete on the civil service exams during the Tang Dynasty?
Compose poems as part of the exam
What was the significance of literature during the Tang and Song Dynasties?
It flourished due to its emphasis in civil service exams and advancements in printing technology
What was footbinding in Song and Tang Chinese society?
A process where women shaped their feet, considered a sign of nobility
What was Zhu Xi known for during the Song Dynasty?
His focus on applying Confucian principles to society rather than politics
The Song Dynasty was the first to print _______.
paper money
What were the Civil Service Exams based on
The exams were based on classical literature and philosophy.
