Chapter 5 – Early Society in East Asia The culture of east Asia had relatively little direct contact with the complex societies to the west; nevertheless, powerful states (the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties), sophisticated technologies, and highly stratified societies developed along the banks of the Huang He and Yangtze rivers in China. These early societies were built on a foundation that would endure for millennia, some of the significant components of which include: The Mandate of Heaven: The source of legitimacy for all Chinese emperors. Thus the emperor, known as the son of heaven, served as a crucial link between the heavenly powers and the people on earth. The extended family as the primary institution of society: The patriarchal head of the family wielded tremendous power and shouldered great responsibilities. It was his job to see that appropriate religious rituals were observed in the worship of the family’s departed ancestors. Those ancestors were believed to have control over the living family’s well-being. Literacy: The development of a writing system that spread widely throughout China and still persists in its basic form, although modified through time. Consequently Chinese society has experienced a virtually uninterrupted literary tradition. Social stratification: Sharp distinctions and clearly defined roles within the society based on class, gender, and age. Directions. Printout and review the Chapter outline prior to reading the Chapter. Not all the terms or people are to be found in the Chapter. For these, you are expected to research their relevance and include them. Website -- http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072424354/student_view0/

People & Terms Study Questions Study Questions

What is the contribution of each of the following . How did the physical features of . In fifty words or less explain the people or terms to this unit? Your response the land and waters in east Asia relationship between each of the should include answers to who, what, where, influence the development of the following pairs. How does one relate to when, how & why is this person important. culture? or foster the other? Be specific in your Yao Banpo response. . Examine the social structure of Shun Luoyang early China. What were the lives of . Bronze metallurgy & Shang dynasty Yu Xia Dynasty . Ancestor worship & patriarchy Huang He Yangtze peasants and slaves like? Did the . Loess Ao concept of the mandate of heaven Oracle bones & Book of Songs Yin Shang Dynasty help or hurt the plight of the . Yu & Mandate of Heaven Sanxingdui Bronze metallurgy peasants? . Iron metallurgy & Period of Warring Mandate of Heaven Iron metallurgy States . Examine the role that changing Zhou Dynasty Period of Warring States . Examine Chinese political history Ancestor worship Oracle bones technology played in early Chinese Chu Steppe lands history. How were the Shang and from the Yangshao society through the Book of Songs Book of Changes Zhou dynasties shaped by decline of the Zhou dynasty. What were Book of Rites Book of History technology? the major themes and turning points during this period?