Classical ChinaThe Qin and Han Dynasties

The Qin (Ch’in) Dynasty (221-202 BC)   Ended the feudal

period and created a great centralized empire

Strong central authority

Used cavalry armed with bows and arrows

Used iron weapons First Emperor Shi

Huangdi

Emperor Shi Huangdi 

Emperor Shi Huangdi

Qin (Ch’in) Government standardized weights

and measures, established a system of coinage

Uniform system of writing; standardized script

single uniform law and tax system

built national network of standardized highways

began connecting existing walls in 214 BC to complete the massive Great Wall of China

Great Wall of China

The Chinese Dynastic Cycle  1)  Rebellions by ambitious

lords and discontent peasants, barbarian invasions, and natural disasters. 

2)  New dynasty usually inaugurated a period of optimism, peace, and prosperity.

3)  Quality of government declines

4)  Peasant rebellion 5)  Old dynasty falls and is

replaced by a new one

The Han Dynasty (202 BC-AD 220)Political Expansion Government and the

Civil Service Education and the

University Wu Di (141-87 BC) Paper making and the

manufacture of porcelain

The central government weakened, revenues declined and taxes rose, the peasants rebelled, and political influence peddling sapped the civil service

Han: Economic and SocialPeasant lands mostly

owned by villageLand-owning

aristocracyLaboring masses

Peasants dependent on each other

Mean peopleTrade

Focused on luxury goods (like Silk)

FamilyExtreme obedience

to parental authorityPowerful husbands

and fathersMarriage arrangedMen more concerned

with male heirsDifferent treatment

depending on social class and position in families

Han: Art, Science, Technology Literature: Five Classics

Based on Confucianism Special Attention given to

poetry Art:

Precise and geometric Calligraphy Bronze Jade Ivory Silk

Science Practical over theoretical Calendar Star movements Harmony between heaven and

earth Han Dynasty Pierced Grey Nephrite Jade Vessel 21-1/2" H X 13-1/2" W