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5: Early Chinese Dynasties

Last updated

Mar 20, 2024
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- 4.15: The Decline of Ancient Egypt
- 5.1: The Eastern Zhou Period

Lumen Learning
Lumen Learning

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5.1: The Eastern Zhou Period
This page discusses the Eastern Zhou period, 771-221 BCE, split into the Spring and Autumn period and the Warring States period. It details the decline of the monarchy and the rise of feudal lords, leading to the consolidation of seven major states. The intense conflicts of the Warring States ended with the Qin unifying China. Key developments included a shift from chariotry to infantry, advancements in iron production, bureaucratic governance, and notable philosophical and intellectual growth.
5.2: The Warring States Period
This page discusses the Warring States period of the Eastern Zhou era, characterized by fierce competition among seven states. It highlights advancements in iron tools and philosophy, notably Confucianism and Daoism, alongside social changes like class differentiation and patrilineal family structures. The Qin state's adoption of Legalism and military tactics culminated in China's unification in 221 BCE, concluding the extensive conflicts.
5.3: Chinese Philosophy
This page outlines four key Chinese philosophies: Confucianism, which focuses on virtue and social harmony; Daoism, advocating for alignment with the universe and individualism; Legalism, viewing humans as inherently bad and emphasizing strong state control; and Mohism, which promotes universal love and equality, differing from Confucian relationship-centered ideals.
5.4: The Qin Dynasty
This page discusses the Qin Dynasty, a crucial yet short-lived era in China's history, lasting 15 years under Shi Huangdi, who unified the nation and standardized various systems. Key achievements included the Great Wall and the Terracotta Army, but his oppressive rule led to significant resistance and the dynasty's fall after his death, leading to a civil war that set the stage for the Han Dynasty.
5.5: The Rise of the Han Dynasty
This page discusses the Han Dynasty, which began in 202 BCE and marked a period of peace and prosperity lasting over four centuries. The Western Han era (206 BCE - 9 CE) improved on Qin policies through Confucianism, focusing on social welfare. Emperor Wu (141-87 BCE) implemented significant reforms, established Confucianism as the official philosophy, and expanded the empire while managing rebellions and external threats.
5.6: The Silk Road
This page outlines the significance of the Silk Road, established by China's Han Dynasty, as a crucial trade and cultural link between the East and West. Initially impeded by nomadic threats, Han protection allowed trade to flourish, which was further enhanced during the Tang Dynasty and Pax Mongolica. The decline of the Mongol Empire by the mid-15th century led to the Silk Road's downfall, prompting Europeans to explore new trade routes to Asia.
5.7: The Eastern Han Period
This page discusses the Eastern Han period (25-220 CE) marked by Emperor Guangwu's reunification of China and territorial gains. The era experienced prosperity under Emperors Ming and Zhang with lower taxes and Confucian encouragement, along with innovations like paper and porcelain. However, internal conflicts and military power struggles ultimately weakened the dynasty, resulting in its fall and the emergence of three separate states after Emperor Xian's abdication.
5.8: Invention of Paper
This page discusses Cai Lun, a Han Dynasty official credited with inventing paper around 202-220 CE using mulberry and bast fibers. His method of creating felted sheets from suspended fibers is still in use today. Initially for wrapping and writing, paper's uses expanded to include toilet paper and eventually led to paper money in the Song Dynasty. After the Battle of Talas in 751 CE, the paper-making technique spread to the Islamic world, prompting further advancements in the craft.
5.9: The Fall of the Han and the Three Kingdoms Period
This page discusses the Battle of Red Cliffs, a pivotal event in Chinese history marking the end of the Han Dynasty and the rise of the Three Kingdoms. Following a period of corruption and rebellion, General Dong Zhuo's rise to power led to a fractured state. Cao Cao's defeat at Red Cliffs in 208 CE further fragmented China into the kingdoms of Wei, Shu, and Wu. Despite the era's violence, it also spurred technological advancements and has been romanticized in cultural narratives.
5.10: The Mythical Period
This page covers the rise of early Chinese civilization during the Mythical Period, highlighting the development of cities by 2000 BCE and the unification of diverse cultures. Key figures include the Three Sovereigns, Five Emperors, and significant rulers like Emperor Shun and Yu the Great, who founded the Xia dynasty. It also notes agricultural and cultural innovations alongside legendary contributions from figures like Huangdi, credited with the invention of Chinese characters and silk.
5.11: The Xia Dynasty
This page discusses the Xia Dynasty, debated between historical fact and mythology, credited to Yu the Great in Sima Qian's "Historical Records." Lasting about 500 years until its overthrow by Cheng Tang, it precedes the Shang Dynasty. Some scholars propose the Zhou Dynasty fabricated the Xia for legitimacy. Recent archaeology suggests the Xia thrived culturally and economically despite environmental hurdles.
5.12: Introduction to the Shang Dynasty
This page outlines the Shang Dynasty as China's first historical dynasty, succeeding the Xia Dynasty, with archaeological evidence like oracle bones. Thriving in the Yellow River valley during the second millennium BCE, it showcased advanced writing, urban development, and social stratification. Shang kings held sacred roles with governance supported by advisers. The dynasty ended around 1046 BCE when it fell to the Zhou, indicating a transition in ruling powers.
5.13: Society Under the Shang Dynasty
This page outlines the social structure of the Shang Dynasty, situated in the Yellow River valley during the second millennium BCE. It featured a four-tier hierarchy: the king and aristocracy at the top, followed by the military, artisans and craftsmen, and peasants at the bottom. The aristocracy governed regions, the military included infantry and chariot warriors, artisans were noted for bronze work, and peasants primarily farmed, with discussions on their classification as serfs or slaves.
5.14: Shang Religion
This page details the Shang Dynasty's culturally rich religious practices, emphasizing ancestor worship and the use of oracle bones for divination with Shangdi. It highlights their belief in an afterlife, supported by complex burial rituals and human sacrifices. Furthermore, the Shang established a lunar calendar to regulate agricultural activities, which were vital for societal stability.
5.15: Advancements Under the Shang
This page discusses the Shang Dynasty's technological advancements, especially in bronze casting for tools, weapons, and burial practices. It highlights the domestication of horses and chariot development, enhancing military capabilities which facilitated territorial expansion and readiness against threats. Additionally, it notes the elite's access to bronze and the use of oracle bones to indicate military concerns amidst ongoing warfare during the dynasty.
5.16: The Mandate of Heaven
In 1046 BCE, the Zhou Dynasty overthrew the Shang Dynasty at the Battle of Muye, using the Mandate of Heaven to justify their claim to rule. This concept stated that only a just ruler, favored by the gods, could govern. The Zhou accused the Shang of moral decline, leading to their loss of the mandate. Some scholars believe the Zhou may have invented the Xia Dynasty to strengthen their legitimacy. The Zhou Dynasty lasted until 256 BCE and significantly influenced Chinese governance.
5.17: Society Under the Zhou Dynasty
This page discusses the Western Zhou period (1046-771 BCE), highlighting its cultural and technological advancements, the shift in religious focus from Shangdi to Tian, the establishment of a feudal system, and the introduction of the Mandate of Heaven. The Duke of Zhou's significant role is noted, as well as the eventual weakening of central power leading to noble power struggles. The period ended in 711 BCE with the death of King You, signaling the decline of Western Zhou dominance.
5.18: Art Under the Zhou Dynasty
This page highlights the Zhou Dynasty's artistic advancements, including the evolution of bronze work with detailed inscriptions, expanded lacquerware production, and surviving real-world paintings. The refinement of ceramic and jade art carried over from the Shang Dynasty, especially during the Warring States Period, alongside improvements in bronze casting, emphasizing the era's aesthetic focus.

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