Ancient China Pg 50-55

Geography

• China Heart Land– Center of civilization– only 10 % of all of china,– Fertile two river system

• Rivers – Huang He (Yellow River)

• Named for it’s yellow silt called Loess – Chang Jiang (Yangtze River)

• Challenges – Barriers did not protect china from invaders – China’s Sorrows – Self-sufficient (isolated)

• Isolation (Middle Kingdom) – Unique Culture and government

Shang Culture

• Family Life – Respect through relationship

• Social Class– Clear Divide between nobles and peasants

(fingernails)

• Religion– Ancestry Worship (polytheism)– Oracle Bone

• Writing – Communication (many spoken languages)

Shang Government

• Dynastic Cycle – Patterns of dynastic takeover – China absorbs its conquerors (Chinese Culture

remains)

• Mandate of heaven– God will to rule

• Feudalism – Type of government that the King divides his power

among individuals to rule over large territories in return for tax and military support