Ancient India and China-4 Mrs. Cox Paisley IB World History

Ancient India and China-4Ancient India and China-4

Mrs. CoxMrs. Cox

Paisley IBPaisley IB

World HistoryWorld History

VocabularyVocabulary

1. subcontinent1. subcontinent 2. monsoons2. monsoons 3. citadel3. citadel 4. Vedas4. Vedas 5. rajas5. rajas 6. varnas6. varnas 7. castes7. castes 8. Hinduism8. Hinduism 9. reincarnation9. reincarnation 10. karma10. karma


11. moksha11. moksha 12. dharma12. dharma 13. yoga13. yoga 14. Jainsim14. Jainsim 15. ahimsa15. ahimsa 16. Buddhism16. Buddhism 17. Buddha17. Buddha 18. Four Noble Truths18. Four Noble Truths 19. Eightfold Path19. Eightfold Path 20. nirvana20. nirvana


21. Middle Way21. Middle Way 22. loess22. loess 23. oracle bones23. oracle bones 24. Mandate from heaven24. Mandate from heaven 25. dynastic cycle25. dynastic cycle 26. Confucianism26. Confucianism 27. Daoism27. Daoism

QuestionsQuestions

1. How did monsoons affect life in the Indus 1. How did monsoons affect life in the Indus valley?valley?

2. What development occurred as the Indus 2. What development occurred as the Indus civilization came about?civilization came about?

3. What crafts were created and traded by the 3. What crafts were created and traded by the Indus Valley civilization?Indus Valley civilization?

4.How did castes affect life during the Vedic 4.How did castes affect life during the Vedic period?period?

5. Describe Brahman. Why can’t people 5. Describe Brahman. Why can’t people understand Brahman?understand Brahman?

QuestionsQuestions

6. Describe what Hindus believe happens to the 6. Describe what Hindus believe happens to the atman after death.atman after death.

7. What were the names of the people in the 7. What were the names of the people in the Ramayana who are considered a model for Hindu Ramayana who are considered a model for Hindu couples. What makes them the ideal couple? couples. What makes them the ideal couple?

8. Name several epic Hindu poems and explain 8. Name several epic Hindu poems and explain how the epic poems different from the Vedas?how the epic poems different from the Vedas?

9. Why did Jains break away from Hinduism?9. Why did Jains break away from Hinduism? 10. Where and when did Buddhism start?10. Where and when did Buddhism start? 11. Why did Buddha believe that living according 11. Why did Buddha believe that living according

to the Eightfold Path was important? to the Eightfold Path was important?

QuestionsQuestions

12. Name three main Buddhist traditions.12. Name three main Buddhist traditions. 13. By what two means did Buddhism spread throughout 13. By what two means did Buddhism spread throughout

India and into the East and Southeast Asia?India and into the East and Southeast Asia? 14. Name the two river valleys where the first Chinese 14. Name the two river valleys where the first Chinese

civilizations developed. What geographic features helped civilizations developed. What geographic features helped the development of civilizations in China?the development of civilizations in China?

15. How were oracle bones related to ancestor worship in 15. How were oracle bones related to ancestor worship in Shang China?Shang China?

16. What technological developments were made during 16. What technological developments were made during the Zhou dynasty? How did each benefit society?the Zhou dynasty? How did each benefit society?

17. What does Confucianism have in common with the 17. What does Confucianism have in common with the religion practiced during the Shang dynasty?religion practiced during the Shang dynasty?

India’s GeographyIndia’s Geography

One of the world’s greatest river valley One of the world’s greatest river valley civilizations originated along the Indus River. civilizations originated along the Indus River. This river flows across the northwest edge This river flows across the northwest edge of the Indian subcontinent, a large landmass of the Indian subcontinent, a large landmass that is part of a continent, Asia. The Indian that is part of a continent, Asia. The Indian subcontinent is divided into three subcontinent is divided into three geographic zones. In the far north, the geographic zones. In the far north, the Himalaya and Hindu Kush mountains Himalaya and Hindu Kush mountains separate India form the rest of Asia. separate India form the rest of Asia.


The Northern Plains cover the middle of the The Northern Plains cover the middle of the subcontinent, where society first developed subcontinent, where society first developed in India. This area is covered by rich soil in India. This area is covered by rich soil deposited by floods from the Indus, Ganges, deposited by floods from the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra rivers. The southern part and Brahmaputra rivers. The southern part of the Indian subcontinent is the high, flat, of the Indian subcontinent is the high, flat, and dry Deccan Plateau.and dry Deccan Plateau.


Flooding in the Northern Plains is caused by Flooding in the Northern Plains is caused by heavy rains. These rains are brought by heavy rains. These rains are brought by seasonal winds called monsoons. Monsoon seasonal winds called monsoons. Monsoon winds during the summer bring warm air winds during the summer bring warm air from the Indian Ocean, along with most of from the Indian Ocean, along with most of the annual rainfall. In the winter, northeast the annual rainfall. In the winter, northeast monsoons blow cool, dry air from Central monsoons blow cool, dry air from Central Asia.Asia.


India’s first civilizations depended on the India’s first civilizations depended on the monsoons to bring water. Monsoon rains monsoons to bring water. Monsoon rains flooded rivers, leaving behind fertile soil. flooded rivers, leaving behind fertile soil. However, monsoons could also destroy However, monsoons could also destroy crops and homes. If rains came too late or crops and homes. If rains came too late or were not heavy enough, crops would not were not heavy enough, crops would not grow. If that happened, famine became a grow. If that happened, famine became a threat. threat.

Indus River CivilizationIndus River Civilization

People have lived in the northern parts of the People have lived in the northern parts of the Indian subcontinent for thousands of years. The Indian subcontinent for thousands of years. The first people to live there were hunter-gatherers. first people to live there were hunter-gatherers. Later, people settled in farming communities. In Later, people settled in farming communities. In the Indus river valley, farming communities grew the Indus river valley, farming communities grew into India’s first civilization. Historians believe this into India’s first civilization. Historians believe this civilization started around 2500 BC, when people civilization started around 2500 BC, when people there developed a system of writing.there developed a system of writing.

Indus Valley CivilizationIndus Valley Civilization

Ruins of this civilization were discovered in Ruins of this civilization were discovered in the 1920s. Archaeologists found remains of the 1920s. Archaeologists found remains of two large cities. Harappa and Mohenjo two large cities. Harappa and Mohenjo Daro. The civilization is sometimes called Daro. The civilization is sometimes called the Harappan civilization, after the first ruins the Harappan civilization, after the first ruins were found. were found.


Indus settlements were planned and laid out Indus settlements were planned and laid out carefully, suggesting that a strong central carefully, suggesting that a strong central authority was in power. Streets ran in a grid authority was in power. Streets ran in a grid pattern and people shared wells and a pattern and people shared wells and a drainage system. In the largest cities, a drainage system. In the largest cities, a walled, elevated citadel, or fortress, walled, elevated citadel, or fortress, protected government buildings. Homes, protected government buildings. Homes, workshops, and shrines were built outside workshops, and shrines were built outside the citadel’s walls.the citadel’s walls.


The economy of the Indus civilization focused on The economy of the Indus civilization focused on agriculture and trade. Most people farmed and agriculture and trade. Most people farmed and herded livestock. Others made pottery, metalwork, herded livestock. Others made pottery, metalwork, and jewelry. Trade took place with nearby and jewelry. Trade took place with nearby communities and distant peoples. Scholars know communities and distant peoples. Scholars know little else about Indus society because no one has little else about Indus society because no one has been able to read Indus writing. Some believe the been able to read Indus writing. Some believe the Indus civilization was a single society, not a group Indus civilization was a single society, not a group of independent ones.of independent ones.


The Indus Valley civilization thrived from The Indus Valley civilization thrived from about 2500 BC to 2000 BC. Repeated about 2500 BC to 2000 BC. Repeated flooding, the disappearance of a river that flooding, the disappearance of a river that ran through the valley, invasion, and ran through the valley, invasion, and disease may have been factors in the disease may have been factors in the decline of the civilization.decline of the civilization.

The Vedic PeriodThe Vedic Period

After 2000 BC, a group known as the After 2000 BC, a group known as the Aryans ruled nearly all of India. The word Aryans ruled nearly all of India. The word Aryan comes form a Sanskrit word meaning Aryan comes form a Sanskrit word meaning “noble.” Much of what is known about Aryan “noble.” Much of what is known about Aryan history and society comes from sacred history and society comes from sacred writings called the Vedas. The Aryan period writings called the Vedas. The Aryan period is sometimes called the Vedic period.is sometimes called the Vedic period.


According to the Vedas, early Vedic people According to the Vedas, early Vedic people settled in villages much smaller than the settled in villages much smaller than the cities of the Indus Valley. Later, groups of cities of the Indus Valley. Later, groups of villages banded together. Regional leaders villages banded together. Regional leaders known as rajas protected groups of villages known as rajas protected groups of villages in exchange for food or money.in exchange for food or money.


Vedic society was divided into four social Vedic society was divided into four social classes called varnas. Each Varna played a classes called varnas. Each Varna played a particular role in society. Later, the varnas particular role in society. Later, the varnas were divided into hundreds of smaller were divided into hundreds of smaller groups called castes. A person’s caste groups called castes. A person’s caste determined what job they could hold and determined what job they could hold and whom they could marry.whom they could marry.


People in Vedic society prayed to many People in Vedic society prayed to many aspects of a single eternal spirit. The Vedas aspects of a single eternal spirit. The Vedas describe fire sacrifices and the chanting of describe fire sacrifices and the chanting of sacred hymns. Over time, the religious sacred hymns. Over time, the religious rituals became more complicated and the rituals became more complicated and the priests became powerful.priests became powerful.

2- Basic Teaching of Hinduism2- Basic Teaching of Hinduism

Most people in India today practice Most people in India today practice Hinduism. One of the oldest religions in the Hinduism. One of the oldest religions in the world. Hinduism has no single founder. world. Hinduism has no single founder. Instead, it evolved over thousands of the Instead, it evolved over thousands of the years and was influenced by many cultures.years and was influenced by many cultures.

Basic Teachings of HinduismBasic Teachings of Hinduism

One of the most basic teachings of One of the most basic teachings of Hinduism is the belief in Brahman, the Hinduism is the belief in Brahman, the eternal spirit that created and preserves the eternal spirit that created and preserves the world. Hindus believe that because world. Hindus believe that because Brahman makes up all of creation, the Brahman makes up all of creation, the human mind is not capable of understanding human mind is not capable of understanding it.it.


Hindus also believe that each person has an Hindus also believe that each person has an atman, or soul, that is part of Brahman. The atman atman, or soul, that is part of Brahman. The atman shapes personality and cannot be destroyed, even shapes personality and cannot be destroyed, even by death. Most Hindus believe that various by death. Most Hindus believe that various aspects of Brahman called devas help maintain aspects of Brahman called devas help maintain order in nature. The widely recognized devas are order in nature. The widely recognized devas are Ganesha the lord of wisdom, Lakshmi the grantor Ganesha the lord of wisdom, Lakshmi the grantor of wealth, Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the of wealth, Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver, and Siva the Destroyer.Preserver, and Siva the Destroyer.


Hindus believe that the universe and Hindus believe that the universe and everyone in it are part of a continual pattern everyone in it are part of a continual pattern of birth, death, and rebirth. They believe that of birth, death, and rebirth. They believe that after death the atman is released from the after death the atman is released from the body and reborn in another. This process is body and reborn in another. This process is called reincarnation, or samsara. A person’s called reincarnation, or samsara. A person’s karma determines the nature of the new life. karma determines the nature of the new life. Karma is the sum effect of a person’s deeds Karma is the sum effect of a person’s deeds and actions during life.and actions during life.


People who behaved well have good karma. People who behaved well have good karma. They will be reborn into a better station. They will be reborn into a better station. Those with bad Karma will have a lower Those with bad Karma will have a lower station.station.

The ultimate goal of Hindus is moksha, The ultimate goal of Hindus is moksha, escape from the cycle of rebirth. When a escape from the cycle of rebirth. When a person achieves moksha, the atman person achieves moksha, the atman reunites fully the Brahman.reunites fully the Brahman.


Hindus look forward to this release from the Hindus look forward to this release from the cares and difficulties of life on Earth. They cares and difficulties of life on Earth. They believe they can achieve moksha by fulfilling believe they can achieve moksha by fulfilling their dharma, or spiritual duties and their dharma, or spiritual duties and obligations.obligations.

Sacred Texts and PracticesSacred Texts and Practices

Sacred writings have directed the evolution of Sacred writings have directed the evolution of Hinduism over the centuries. The Vedas are Hinduism over the centuries. The Vedas are among the earliest Hindu texts. They include among the earliest Hindu texts. They include sacred hymns of praise. Some of the Vedas date sacred hymns of praise. Some of the Vedas date back more than 3,000 years. They are considered back more than 3,000 years. They are considered the core of Hinduism even today. The Upanishads the core of Hinduism even today. The Upanishads are sacred texts that built upon the Vedas. They are sacred texts that built upon the Vedas. They deal with the nature of the world and the meaning deal with the nature of the world and the meaning of life.of life.


Hindus believe the Vedas and the Hindus believe the Vedas and the Upanishads were not written, but were Upanishads were not written, but were revealed. Other sacred texts that shared revealed. Other sacred texts that shared themes with the Vedas are believed to have themes with the Vedas are believed to have been composed by people. Two important been composed by people. Two important texts are epic poems, the Ramayana and texts are epic poems, the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The Ramayana tells of the Mahabharata. The Ramayana tells of the relationship between Rama (Vishnu in relationship between Rama (Vishnu in human form) and his wife, Sita.human form) and his wife, Sita.


Because of their devotion to each other and Because of their devotion to each other and obedience to their dharma, Rama and Sita obedience to their dharma, Rama and Sita are considered a model for Hindu couples. are considered a model for Hindu couples. The Mahabarata teaches about dharma and The Mahabarata teaches about dharma and proper behavior through a story about two proper behavior through a story about two warring families. warring families.


The Bhagavad-Gita is found within the The Bhagavad-Gita is found within the Mahabarata. It is a dialogue between the Mahabarata. It is a dialogue between the warrior Arjuna and Krishna, again Vishnu in warrior Arjuna and Krishna, again Vishnu in human form, regarding Hindu belief and human form, regarding Hindu belief and philosophy. It is considered the most sacred philosophy. It is considered the most sacred of all Hindu texts. of all Hindu texts.


Hindu worship takes place in temples, Hindu worship takes place in temples, shrines, and in homes. Hindus at home shrines, and in homes. Hindus at home might offer food or gifts to a deva. They also might offer food or gifts to a deva. They also say special prayers or meditate. To help say special prayers or meditate. To help them meditate, some Hindus practice a them meditate, some Hindus practice a series of physical and mental exercises series of physical and mental exercises called yoga. Yoga teaches people to focus called yoga. Yoga teaches people to focus their bodies and minds.their bodies and minds.


Many Hindus make a pilgrimage to a holy Many Hindus make a pilgrimage to a holy place at least once during their lives. Hindus place at least once during their lives. Hindus believe the water of the Ganges River, believe the water of the Ganges River, thought to flow from the feet of Vishnu and thought to flow from the feet of Vishnu and over the head of Siva, is sacred. Many over the head of Siva, is sacred. Many believe that bathing in the Ganges will purify believe that bathing in the Ganges will purify them.them.

JainismJainism

Around 500 BC, a group of Hindus broke Around 500 BC, a group of Hindus broke away from the religion and founded Jainism. away from the religion and founded Jainism. The Jains believed that rituals were The Jains believed that rituals were unnecessary. Instead, people could achieve unnecessary. Instead, people could achieve moksha by giving up their possessions and moksha by giving up their possessions and controlling their actions. One of Jainism’s controlling their actions. One of Jainism’s central ideas is ahimsa, or nonviolence.central ideas is ahimsa, or nonviolence.

JainismJainism

Jains avoid harming any living creature, Jains avoid harming any living creature, even insects. They promise to be truthful, to even insects. They promise to be truthful, to avoid the emotions of anger, greed, and avoid the emotions of anger, greed, and prejudice, and to avoid stealing. The most prejudice, and to avoid stealing. The most devout Jains become monks or nuns.devout Jains become monks or nuns.

3 The Life of Buddha3 The Life of Buddha

Buddhism, another of the world’s major Buddhism, another of the world’s major religions, originated in ancient India. It was religions, originated in ancient India. It was founded by a single person, called the founded by a single person, called the Buddha. Buddhist writings tell of a prince Buddha. Buddhist writings tell of a prince named Siddhartha Gautama who was born named Siddhartha Gautama who was born in the 500s BC. His life was so sheltered in the 500s BC. His life was so sheltered that he did not know suffering existed until that he did not know suffering existed until he was almost 30. he was almost 30.

The Life of BuddhaThe Life of Buddha

When he did learn of sickness and death, he left When he did learn of sickness and death, he left his palace to try to find a way to end human his palace to try to find a way to end human suffering.suffering.

For six years, Gautama sought enlightenment, or For six years, Gautama sought enlightenment, or spiritual understanding. He lived alone in the spiritual understanding. He lived alone in the forest, then with gurus who taught him meditation, forest, then with gurus who taught him meditation, and finally with monks who denied themselves and finally with monks who denied themselves basic necessities. Gautama decided that neither basic necessities. Gautama decided that neither the gurus nor the monks could teach him the way the gurus nor the monks could teach him the way to enlightenment.to enlightenment.

The Life of BuddhaThe Life of Buddha

He decided to sit under a tree until he found He decided to sit under a tree until he found the way to end human suffering. After the way to end human suffering. After meditating for a long time, he was meditating for a long time, he was transformed: he had found enlightenment. transformed: he had found enlightenment. He then became known as the Buddha, He then became known as the Buddha, which means “Enlightened One.” which means “Enlightened One.”

The Teachings of BuddhismThe Teachings of Buddhism

After he achieved enlightenment, the Buddha set After he achieved enlightenment, the Buddha set out to spread what he had learned to other people. out to spread what he had learned to other people. His lessons became the basic teachings of His lessons became the basic teachings of Buddhism. Buddha is said to have learned the Buddhism. Buddha is said to have learned the Four Noble Truths while meditating. The Four Four Noble Truths while meditating. The Four Noble Truths are: suffering is a part of human life, Noble Truths are: suffering is a part of human life, suffering comes from desires for pleasure and suffering comes from desires for pleasure and material goods, overcoming desire brings suffering material goods, overcoming desire brings suffering to an end, and desires can be overcome by to an end, and desires can be overcome by following the Eightfold Path.following the Eightfold Path.

The Teachings of BuddhaThe Teachings of Buddha

The Eightfold Path includes right view, right The Eightfold Path includes right view, right attitude, right speech, right action, right attitude, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.right concentration.

The Buddha taught that those who followed The Buddha taught that those who followed the Eightfold Path could attain nirvana. the Eightfold Path could attain nirvana. Nirvana is a state of peaceful existence free Nirvana is a state of peaceful existence free from suffering.from suffering.


Those who do not reach nirvana will be Those who do not reach nirvana will be reborn to live through the cycle of suffering reborn to live through the cycle of suffering again. The Eightfold Path is also called the again. The Eightfold Path is also called the Middle Way. It calls for living in moderation, Middle Way. It calls for living in moderation, and avoiding extremes of comfort or and avoiding extremes of comfort or discomfort in the search for enlightenment.discomfort in the search for enlightenment.

After the Buddha died, three main Buddhist After the Buddha died, three main Buddhist traditions formed-Theravada, Mahayana, traditions formed-Theravada, Mahayana, and Tibetan Buddhism.and Tibetan Buddhism.


Theravada is based on the oldest known Buddhist Theravada is based on the oldest known Buddhist writings. Theravada teaches that the best way to writings. Theravada teaches that the best way to attain nirvana is to become a monk or a nun and attain nirvana is to become a monk or a nun and spend all of one’s time in meditation. Mahayana spend all of one’s time in meditation. Mahayana teaches that people can help each other find teaches that people can help each other find enlightenment. Bodhisattvas, people who have enlightenment. Bodhisattvas, people who have found enlightenment but have not yet passed on to found enlightenment but have not yet passed on to nirvana, are said to remain on earth to help others nirvana, are said to remain on earth to help others find their way to nirvana.find their way to nirvana.


The third Buddhist tradition, Tibetan The third Buddhist tradition, Tibetan Buddhism, shares many teachings with Buddhism, shares many teachings with Mahayana. However, Tibetan Buddhists Mahayana. However, Tibetan Buddhists also believe that they can use special also believe that they can use special techniques to harness spiritual energy and techniques to harness spiritual energy and achieve nirvana in a single lifetime.achieve nirvana in a single lifetime.

The Spread of BuddhismThe Spread of Buddhism

Unlike Hinduism, which largely remained an Unlike Hinduism, which largely remained an Indian religion, Buddhism spread to other Indian religion, Buddhism spread to other parts of the world. Today, more than 350 parts of the world. Today, more than 350 million people are Buddhists, most of them million people are Buddhists, most of them in Asia. Relatively few people in India are in Asia. Relatively few people in India are Buddhists today.Buddhists today.

After his death, the Buddha’s followers After his death, the Buddha’s followers spread his teachings. These teachings were spread his teachings. These teachings were not written down until the first century BC.not written down until the first century BC.


Buddhism reached its peak in India in the Buddhism reached its peak in India in the 200s BC during the reign of the emperor 200s BC during the reign of the emperor Ashoka. Ashoka helped spread Buddhism Ashoka. Ashoka helped spread Buddhism into all parts of India. He encouraged into all parts of India. He encouraged missionaries to carry the Buddha’s message missionaries to carry the Buddha’s message to lands outside of India.to lands outside of India.

Trade also helped to spread Buddhism Trade also helped to spread Buddhism beyond India into Central Asia and China.beyond India into Central Asia and China.


In China, Buddhism slowly spread and In China, Buddhism slowly spread and blended with native Chinese philosophies. blended with native Chinese philosophies. From there, Buddhism went to Korea and From there, Buddhism went to Korea and Japan, making it the leading religion in all of Japan, making it the leading religion in all of East and Southeast Asia.East and Southeast Asia.

As Buddhism encountered other religious As Buddhism encountered other religious traditions outside of India it continued to traditions outside of India it continued to change and develop.change and develop.


Because of this blending, various smaller Because of this blending, various smaller traditions outside of India it continued to traditions outside of India it continued to change and develop. Because of this change and develop. Because of this blending, various smaller traditions blending, various smaller traditions developed within Theravada and Mahayana. developed within Theravada and Mahayana. A branch of Mahayana known as Zen A branch of Mahayana known as Zen emphasizes self-discipline and mediation. emphasizes self-discipline and mediation. Buddhism today is a very diverse religion Buddhism today is a very diverse religion with wide range of adherents and practices.with wide range of adherents and practices.

4 China’s Geography4 China’s Geography

The first Chinese civilizations grew in river The first Chinese civilizations grew in river valleys created by the Chang Kiang river, valleys created by the Chang Kiang river, also known as the Yangzi, and the Huang also known as the Yangzi, and the Huang he, or Yellow River. Annual floods left he, or Yellow River. Annual floods left behind rich soil in both valleys. The Huang behind rich soil in both valleys. The Huang He valley also benefited from loess, a find He valley also benefited from loess, a find dusty soil carried into china by desert winds.dusty soil carried into china by desert winds.

China’s GeographyChina’s Geography

Mountains, hills, and desert protected early Mountains, hills, and desert protected early Chinese civilizations from invaders. Chinese civilizations from invaders. Historians believe Chinese civilization began Historians believe Chinese civilization began in the Huang He valley, where people in the Huang He valley, where people started growing crops about 9,000 years started growing crops about 9,000 years ago. According to legend, this civilization ago. According to legend, this civilization was ruled by the Xia (SHYAH) dynasty.was ruled by the Xia (SHYAH) dynasty.

The Shang DynastyThe Shang Dynasty

Because no evidence of the Xia dynasty has been Because no evidence of the Xia dynasty has been found, most historians date Chinese civilization to found, most historians date Chinese civilization to the beginning of the Shang dynasty around 1766 the beginning of the Shang dynasty around 1766 BC. Shang Kings ruled from their capital of BC. Shang Kings ruled from their capital of Anyang where they were surrounded by a court, or Anyang where they were surrounded by a court, or gathering of wealthy nobles. Shang rulers gathering of wealthy nobles. Shang rulers appointed governors to keep order in distant parts appointed governors to keep order in distant parts of the kingdom. The king’s army fought invaders of the kingdom. The king’s army fought invaders and prevented rebellions.and prevented rebellions.


Most people in Shang China were farmers. Most people in Shang China were farmers. Sometimes, they had to serve in the army or Sometimes, they had to serve in the army or build tombs, palaces, or walls. The wealthy build tombs, palaces, or walls. The wealthy had time for leisure, such as hunting for had time for leisure, such as hunting for sport. Much of what historians know about sport. Much of what historians know about the Shang comes from studying royal the Shang comes from studying royal tombs.tombs.


Most of these tombs contained valuable Most of these tombs contained valuable items made of bronze and jade, as well as items made of bronze and jade, as well as sacrificed prisoners of war. From this sacrificed prisoners of war. From this evidence, historians have concluded that the evidence, historians have concluded that the Shang believed in the afterlife in which a Shang believed in the afterlife in which a ruler would still need his riches and ruler would still need his riches and servants.servants.


Shang religion centered on ancestor Shang religion centered on ancestor worship. The Shang offered gifts to keep worship. The Shang offered gifts to keep their ancestors happy in the afterlife. Oracle their ancestors happy in the afterlife. Oracle bones made of inscribed bits of animal bone bones made of inscribed bits of animal bone or turtle shell were used to seek advice from or turtle shell were used to seek advice from dead ancestors. The earliest Chinese dead ancestors. The earliest Chinese writings are questions written on oracle writings are questions written on oracle bones. Picture symbols were used to bones. Picture symbols were used to represent objects or ideas.represent objects or ideas.


The Shang became skilled at making items The Shang became skilled at making items out of bronze and they learned to build huge out of bronze and they learned to build huge structures, such as tombs. In addition, structures, such as tombs. In addition, Shang astronomers created a precise Shang astronomers created a precise calendar based on the cycles of the moon.calendar based on the cycles of the moon.

The Zhou DynastyThe Zhou Dynasty

The Shang ruled until about 1100 BC, when The Shang ruled until about 1100 BC, when an army of the Zhou invaded. The Zhou an army of the Zhou invaded. The Zhou convinced the Chinese people to accept convinced the Chinese people to accept them as rulers by saying that they ruled by them as rulers by saying that they ruled by the Mandate of Heaven.the Mandate of Heaven.

The Zhou learned to make objects from iron, The Zhou learned to make objects from iron, which could be cast more cheaply than which could be cast more cheaply than bronze, and produced stronger weapons.bronze, and produced stronger weapons.

The Zhou DynastyThe Zhou Dynasty

New farming techniques created a surplus of food. New farming techniques created a surplus of food. Cities grew, canals and roads were built, and Cities grew, canals and roads were built, and transportation improved. The Zhou introduced transportation improved. The Zhou introduced coins and pioneered the use of chopsticks.coins and pioneered the use of chopsticks.

Conflict in the later years of Zhou rule weakened Conflict in the later years of Zhou rule weakened the kingdom. Rebellions waged from 403 BC to the kingdom. Rebellions waged from 403 BC to 221 BC, called the Warring States Period. 221 BC, called the Warring States Period. Eventually, the Qin dynasty arose, ending both the Eventually, the Qin dynasty arose, ending both the Warring States Period and the Zhou dynasty.Warring States Period and the Zhou dynasty.

New PhilosophiesNew Philosophies

Among the many new philosophies Among the many new philosophies developed during the late Zhou period were developed during the late Zhou period were Confucianism and Daoism. Confucianism is Confucianism and Daoism. Confucianism is based on the teachings of Kongfuzi, also based on the teachings of Kongfuzi, also known as Confucius. It stresses treating known as Confucius. It stresses treating others humanely and with respect, others humanely and with respect, practicing traditional rituals, and honoring practicing traditional rituals, and honoring one’s ancestors.one’s ancestors.


His teachings on how to improve society His teachings on how to improve society were collected in a book called the were collected in a book called the AnalectsAnalects and had a lasting impact on China. and had a lasting impact on China. Confucius taught that a ruler should be Confucius taught that a ruler should be advised by qualified people, so China’s advised by qualified people, so China’s emperors selected their advisors based on emperors selected their advisors based on merit.merit.


Daoists believe in the dao, or the way, a Daoists believe in the dao, or the way, a limitless force that connects all things in limitless force that connects all things in nature. Daoism teaches that finding one’s nature. Daoism teaches that finding one’s place in nature leads to harmony. Daoists place in nature leads to harmony. Daoists embrace the Chinese concept of yin and embrace the Chinese concept of yin and yang, the balancing aspects of nature. yang, the balancing aspects of nature. Among the first people to write about Daoist Among the first people to write about Daoist teachings was Laozi, who wrote the teachings was Laozi, who wrote the Dao De Dao De Jing.Jing.

Documents

Ancient India and China-4 Mrs. Cox Paisley IB World History