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The Early Dynasties Chinese Belief Systems Classical China Post Everything to Know About... CHINA is the oldest continuous civilization on the planet, hav- ing continued without interruption since at least 3000-2500 BCE. Early China was based heavily around the HUANG-HE (or YELLOW) River Valley. For much of its early history, China referred to itself as ZHONG GUO or the MIDDLE KINGDOM CHINA (meaning the “center of the world”) demonstrating an early sense of both national pride and ethnocentrism. Despite trade and some mild cultural diffusion with Korea and Japan, China attempted to The Early Dynasties remain largely isolated through much of its (especially early) history. XIA DYNASTY The existence of the XIA DYNASTY is debated; Many historians believe it is only legendary. While there are SECONDARY SOURCES that speak (2000-1600 BCE) to its existence, there is little real archaeological evidence. Many of the associated stories focus on characters like Xia founder YU THE GREAT and demonstrate the early need to control the frequent issues of FLOODING within the early Huang-He Valley. SHANG DYN. The SHANG DYNASTY (possessing Kings, and not yet true emperors) is the first documented dynasty. Developed a strong WRITING SYSTEM (1600-1046 BCE) used originally for religious reasons (not business). Shang mastered METALLURGY, PORCELAIN, and some of the first SILK PRODUCTION. Very strict social system. Kings claimed a connection to the GODS and communicated with them through ORACLE BONES (divination). ZHOU DYNASTY The ZHOU DYNASTY takes power by claiming the Shang were unfit to rule. Establish the idea of a MANDATE OF HEAVEN. Zhou begin a (1046-256 BCE) strong period of expansion, governing new territories under a system of decentralized FEUDALISM. Many important advancements such as the building of CITIES, IRON use, expansion of ROADS, TRADE, new FLOOD CONTROL SYSTEMS, invention of the CROSSBOW. CONFUCIAN- ISM, TAOISM, and LEGALISM all have their start here. Power is lost in the last 200 years of the dynasty (resulting in a massive period of civil war known as the ERA OF WARRING STATES). Claims that the gods give new leaders the power to rule, but may also take that power away; If the rulers did not govern properly, their man- Chinese Belief Systems date would be lost (demonstrated by crop loss, plagues, peasant rebellions, etc.). First used by Seen as more of an ethical system and less as a true More of a philosophy than a true religion. the Zhou to justify the overthrow of the Shang. “religion.” Established by K’UNG FU TZU (CONFUCIUS) Founded by LAOZI (500 BCE) and based on in about 500 BCE. Emphasizes the FIVE RELATIONSHIPS the TAO-TE-CHING. Is polytheistic like traditional Based on the ideas of HAN FEI at the end of (Ruler:Subject, Parent:Child, Husband:Wife, Old:Young, Chinese religion, but emphasizes the idea of “TAO,” an the Zhou Dynasty (Era of Warring States). Friend:Friend). Strong emphasis on FILIAL PIETY energy which flows through all life. Taoists emphasize Argues that humanity is naturally selfish, (respect for parents and elders, arguing family is a mini balance and Wu Wei (“Way of Nature”). Major part of greedy, and violent, and need a strong -version of society). Strong emphasis on rituals at TAOISM this is in establishing the balance of Chi (flow of energy government to rule over them and keep them various life stages. Books like the I CHING and the within the body). Emphasizes the ideas of YIN and under control. Heavily admired by the QIN, LEGALISM CONFUCIANISM ANALECTS are valued, but not considered “holy.” YANG, as well as naturalness and non-action. but not terribly influential otherwise. Classical China QIN DYNASTY The QIN emerged as a major power following the Era of Warring States, conquering both the Zhou and northern China. Became the first (221-206 BCE) IMPERIAL DYNASTY (actual empire, ruled by an EMPEROR) in Chinese history. Only one emperor: QIN SHI HUANG (“First Emperor”). The Qin promoted LEGALISM which placed them at odds with CONFUCIANISM, which was heavily persecuted. Established a strong CENTRAL- IZED GOVERNMENT, establishing uniform LAW CODES, standardized MEASUREMENTS, building new ROADS (communication). Begins the GREAT WALL (and his own TOMB) using forced labor. The Dynasty’s harsh rule will not be continued after the Qin Emperor’s death. HAN DYNASTY Founded by LIU BANG in 206 BCE. Makes few political changes from the Qin (except to change the harsh rule, work with nobles rather than (206 BCE-220 CE) against them). Greatest emperor is WUDI (the sixth Han emperor). Wudi brings about a period of rapid expansion (Conquers the north, Korea, Manchuria, SE Asia, and to the borders of N. India) -- also places China in communication with the Parthian Persians and -- after a expeditionary team sent by Wudi -- the Romans (leads to SILK ROAD). Wudi also establishes the practice of CIVIL SERVICE TESTS and the so- called PAX SINICA (Period of Chinese Peace, flourishing of culture and ACHIEVEMENTS. Falls beginning with the YELLOW TURBAN REBEL- LION, revolts/uprisings, barbarian attacks, weak emperors. An overland trade network established during the Han Dynasty and continued until the fragmentation of the Mongol Empire. Never an actual “road,” but a network of popular TRADE ROUTES for merchants. Extended over 4000 MILES (varies). Initially, Rome and China are the economic forces behind it, but other HAN DYNASTY ACHIEVEMENTS regions (Persia, India, etc.) will play a part. ROME will often export glassware, Establishment of the SILK ROAD and CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATIONS (Brings statues, art, and slaves (pottery and gold-embroidered rugs are also valued) - about a much more effective BUREAUCRACY based on MERITOCRACY, not PARTHIA (PERSIA) will export exotic fruits and rare birds - Regions of INDIA BIRTHRIGHT -- in theory -- tests applicants on knowledge of law, mathe- will export ivory, precious gems, and lumber - China will specialize almost matics, and the teachings of Confucius). CAI LUN invents the first PAPER in exclusively in silk, this giving the Silk Road its name. Rome/Persia/Han will be 105 CE. Similarly, the Han will develop WOOD BLOCK PRINTING and, soon replaced by BYZANTIUM/CALIPHATE/TANG DYNASTY at its peak. after, the first DICTIONARY. Also produce LAQUERWARE (objects coated in lasting varnish), improved CROSSBOWS, iron FARM TOOLS, BOLTS, AD- THREE KINGDOMS PERIOD (220-581 CE) - Intense Period of Civil War… again... JUSTABLE WRENCHES, MACHINE PARTS (gears, cog wheels), CARTOG- RAPHY, MAGNETIC COMPASSES, SHIP RUDDERS, SUSPENSION BRIDGES, WHEELBARROWS, first SEISMOGRAPHS, STIRRUPS, HOT AIR BALLOONS, first creation (though not military use) of GUNPOWDER. All of China’s Post-Classical China “FOUR GREAT INVENTIONS” (Compass/Gunpowder/Paper/Printing) get their start during this period in some form. SUI DYNASTY Very short-lived dynasty that takes root after several centuries of (589-618 CE) uncertainty in China. Instantly set about repairing the Great Wall and attempting to boost China’s economy through PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS (most importantly, the massive GRAND CANAL from the Huang He river to the Yangtze Delta, which allows North-South trade and communication). Attempt to re-distribute lands to peasants (EQUAL FIELD SYSTEM), but peasants are so overworked (and starved and tired of expensive wars), they protest and overthrow the dyn- asty. Important for the re-centralization of China, but not terribly successful... TANG DYNASTY Far more effective than the Sui, the TANG make an effort to improve the lives of peasants and avoid massive projects. Also much more (618-907 CE) effective in attempts at expansion than the Sui (take Tibet and Korea, make contact with JAPAN). Re-establish the SILK ROAD, which brings about the major establishment of BUDDHISM in China. Establish specific departments for functions within government (business, military, etc.) as well as a strong bureaucracy (based on civil service exams), establish the MANDARIN class of government administrators. Flourish- ing of the arts: New styles of PAINTING, SCULPTING, POETRY, PRINTING become popular. At one point, ruled by WU ZHAO (Famous em- press, opposed by male-based traditions). Toward end, extravagance/culture masks political weakness, regions break away as dynasty falls. SONG DYNASTY SONG take power after brief period of anarchy, but KHITAN/JURCHEN push into China and take control over China’s northern half. Song (960-1279 CE) will continue in the SOUTH with many achievements: SMALLPOX VACCINES, military use of GUNPOWDER, the ABACUS, high-yield CROPS (tea, rice) many artistic successes. First Chinese NAVY protects naval trade with India, Southeast Asia. Conquered by MONGOLS. Mongols conquer both halves of the Sui within 70 years. First to rule both is Mongol KUBLAI KHAN. Kublai controls Chinese with YUAN DYNASTY restrictions (i.e. no weapons), but rebuilds BEIJING, constructs roads/canals/hospitals, etc. Very tolerant of Chinese beliefs, but favor (1279-1368 CE) Mongols in government. Despite great prosperity, native Chinese hate the Mongols (Mongols diffuse Chinese tech to the world). MING DYNASTY Hatred of Mongols leads to overthrow by ZHU YUANZHANG (Buddhist monk gone general, AKA HONG WU). Establishes the MING DYNASTY. (1368-1644 CE) Great peace/stability, reorganizes taxes and government. Strict law codes, civil service tests brought back. Use farmers to re-construct the Mongol-destroyed northern regions (offer lands and tools, etc.). Re-build the GREAT WALL in its current, stone form. Establish a great treas- ury of literature. Begin to push for exploration under ZHENG HE (Massive fleet, explores Africa, Middle East, SE Asia) as a means of POWER PROJECTION. Ultimately ended and fleet destroyed after Zheng He’s death and the discovery that nothing found can “benefit” China (a.k.a ethnocentrism -- also voyages are a huge expense). Establish new capital at BEIJING (along with the FORBIDDEN PALACE). QING DYNASTY MANCHUS swing south from Manchuria, conquer the weakened Ming Dynasty and establish the “QING” (pure) or “MANCHU” Dynasty. (1644-1912 CE) Acts as the second time China had been conquered by a foreign power, and will serve as the final dynasty.
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