Qin Dynasty (221-207 BCE)
By: Aava and Leona, Pd 7
POLITICS
ECONOMICS
Since the Qin dynasty built many public services, the most common jobs were working on dams, the terracotta army, the great canal, and the great wall. Other jobs were laborers and joining the military. Although the great wall provided protection from invaders, thousands of men had died from building it. The Qin dynasty started in 221 BCE, so trading wasn’t common yet. Instead China traded within its states, but it was hard to communicate to one another because each had a different culture. Also, the Great Canal made travel and trade easier.Emperor Qin wanted to make transactions smoother, so he standardized weights, measurements, coins, and language. The lands that his army conquered were replaced with fertile farming lands so rice was added to China. Other important products were swords, crossbows, axes, weights, measures, and many other tools.
Great Canal
Great Wall
Emperor Qin
INVENTIONS/TECHNOLOGY/SCIENCE AND ARCHITECTURE
RELIGON/CULTURE/SOCIAL LIFE
During the Qin dynasty, people believed that their deceased elders existed as invisible spirits watching over their family. People would make altars to sacrifice to the dead family members, and if they didn’t, the whole family would have bad luck. They also created a set of rituals for libations and worship. As you can see, family was really important. The whole family would live in one household, even after the boys finished school. Girls must live with their husbands, and follow their mother-in-law’s orders. Unlike boys, girls married at a very young age. Of course, the elders were very much respected, and ruled the household until death. This dynasty was not a big fan of literature. The Emperor destroyed much of the culture, literature, and scholarship of the previous Zhou era. On the other hand, when Qin standardized writing. Everybody was using calligraphy, which made it easier to communicate. There were also many festivals such as the dragon festival for good luck. There would be a yearly celebration during spring to welcome good harvest. Men and women would pair up, sing and dance.