Chinese Dynasty
Shang, Zhou, Qin, and Han Dynasty
Climate and Geography
Geography
- The Yellow River (Huang He) - Goes across more than 2,900 miles of China, carries yellow silt from Mongolia to the Pacific Ocean
- Yangtze River (Chang Jiang) - About 3,400 miles across central China and then is connected to the Yellow Sea
- The land does not have fertile fields
- Has many mountains and deserts
Climate
- Varies from region to region based on elevation and the monsoons
- Winter monsoons coming from the mountains are dry and cold
- Summer monsoons come from the south across the seas, bringing rain
The Shang Dynasty
Oracle bones, bronzes, and excavations tell about life during the Shang dynasty.
The Zhou Dynasty
The concept of the Mandate of heaven began with the Zouh dynasty.
The Qin Dynasty
Qin Shihuangdi unified the Chinese world using force against invaders and harsh treatment of his subjects.
Language, Religions
Language
Religion
- Believed in supernatural forces and that leader would be able to obtain them through worldly affairs
- To speak to gods they would use oracle bones
- Sacrificed people in royal tombs to win the favor of gods
- Early Chinese believed in life after death known as, " ancestor worship"
The Shang Dynasty
Political and Social Structures
- The Shang king ruled from the capital city Anyang
- Aristocratic military, called warlords, leaders would govern certain territories
- King in charge of defending the realm and control large armies
- The king's importance is evident in the ritual o sacrifices undertaking his death
- Kings would be buried in royal tombs with their loyal servants
- In order of importance, royal family, aristocrats, peasants, artisans and merchants
The Zhou Dynasty
Political and Social Structure