Section 4: Achievements of Ancient China

Section 4: Achievements of Ancient China A Jigsaw Using Primary Documents

Student Name ______Group # ______

Directions: Using the primary document for your group answer the questions that match. You will then present your information to the entire class. You will also complete all of the questions as you are given the information by the other groups in class.

Group 1 Question:

 This is an image of a trader traveling the Silk Road. Using your knowledge of the area, describe what you think traveling on the Silk Road was like.

 Why do you think people still use the same route and methods of transportation (camels) in this area as they did over 2000 years ago?

Group 2 Questions:

 This is one good that was highly traded along the Silk Road but very expensive. What is this and who do you think made it?

 Wealthy Romans very much prized this material and often would pay high prices or other luxury goods (such as glass, horses, ivory or wool from Rome) for it. Why was silk so highly prized?

Group 3 Questions:

 During the Han dynasty, China became the most advanced civilization in the world. This was used to help travelers, explorers, and traders. What do you think it is and how is it used?

 Is this type of device still used today? Have you ever used one? What tool evolved from this that is very popular today?

Group 4 Questions:

 This is a form of ancient technology invented in China but its use quickly spread throughout the world. What is this form of technology? Section 4: Achievements of Ancient China A Jigsaw Using Primary Documents

 How did this help the Chinese and others who adopted the new method?

Group 5 Questions:

 The Chinese are well known for their advances in medicine. This ancient method is called acupuncture and is said to treat disease through the use of triggers in the body set off by needles. Some say this practice goes back over 2000 years. Why do you think western cultures did not adapt this method of medicine?

 Another Chinese medical discovery was the use of certain plants to treat illness, called herbal remedies. Why was this important to the ancient Chinese? Why is it still important to remember and use this knowledge today? Do we use herbal remedies in our culture?

Group 6 Questions:

 Some say this is the most important Chinese invention, what do you think this is?

 How could this have benefitted ancient Chinese society? Is this product still used today and by whom? Is it still as important as it was when it was invented in AD 105?

Group 7 Questions:

 What do you think this is made from? Who do you think it belonged to?

 Think of all the other objects you have seen from ancient China in the last two weeks, do you think the Chinese prized art and artisans? If so, why? What role do you think artisans played in Chinese culture? Section 4: Achievements of Ancient China A Jigsaw Using Primary Documents