Asian Cultures Chris Anderson Randolph-Henry High School

Asian Cultures

Chris Anderson

Randolph-Henry High School

India

• Civilization was developing around the Indus River at the same time as the Egyptians were reaching their height

• This early Indus River civilization reached its height between 2500-1500 BC

• This early civilization will serve as the ancestors for India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh

India

• GeographyGeography

• The subcontinent of South Asia is separated from the rest of Asia by natural barriers—mountains and water

• In the north exist 2 mountain ranges– Hindu Kush– Himalaya

• To the east and west is water

India

India

• The mountains and seas acted as natural barriers—keeping South Asia free from invasion

• The subcontinent, itself, is geographically diverse– Deccan Plateau– Vindhya—rolling hills– Ghats—small mountain ranges on the coasts

India

India

• 3 major rivers exist on the subcontinent– Indus – Ganges– Brahmaputra

• All 3 rivers provide water and fertile soil for the people to farm

India

India

• South Asia’s climate is affected by seasonal winds called monsoonsmonsoons

• The subcontinent experiences 2 monsoons every year

• 1.) Winter Monsoon 1.) Winter Monsoon (Northeast Monsoon)(Northeast Monsoon)– Blows from Nov./Dec. until

March– Brings dry air from the

mountains

• Summer Monsoon Summer Monsoon (Southwest Monsoon)(Southwest Monsoon)– blows from May/June to

Sept. – Brings rain from the

southwest

India

India

• The people of South Asia depended on the monsoons to bring rain for their crops

• If the monsoons came too late or brought too much rain, crops would be destroyed and people would die

India

• Early Civilization:Early Civilization:

• The earliest known civilization in South Asia was the Harappan CivilizationHarappan Civilization– Main cities—Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro– Both cities were very modern– Streets ran in a grid pattern– Houses built of brick– Indoor bathrooms

India

India

• Most of the people were farmers

• Used pictographs as writing—historians have not deciphered these symbols

• 2000 BC—the civilization went into decline

• 1500 BC—the civilization had disappeared

• There are 2 theories for their disappearance– 1.) Floods and climate

changes may have affected the food supply

– 2.) The civilization may have been invaded and killed off

IndiaIndia

1500 BC—another group migrated into South 1500 BC—another group migrated into South Asia—Asia—AryansAryans Nomadic herdersNomadic herders Mainly herded cattleMainly herded cattle

The Aryans quickly took the Indus River Valley The Aryans quickly took the Indus River Valley and Ganges areasand Ganges areas Aryan tribal chief—Aryan tribal chief—rajahrajah Main economic resource—cattleMain economic resource—cattle

Cattle “rustling” became an issue that led to war between Cattle “rustling” became an issue that led to war between the different tribesthe different tribes

IndiaIndia

The Aryans began to settle in the Indus The Aryans began to settle in the Indus River valley and started to farmRiver valley and started to farm Some grew cropsSome grew crops Others continued to herd cattle on the rich Others continued to herd cattle on the rich

plains—provided meat, milk, and hides plains—provided meat, milk, and hides

IndiaIndia

The Aryans eventually considered their The Aryans eventually considered their herds so important that they herds so important that they placed a placed a ban on eating meatban on eating meat

The people became strict vegetariansThe people became strict vegetarians This “no meat” policy is a major principle This “no meat” policy is a major principle

in Hinduism todayin Hinduism today

IndiaIndia

Aryan Society and CultureAryan Society and Culture Men dominated Aryan societyMen dominated Aryan society The Aryans spoke The Aryans spoke SanskritSanskrit, , but had no but had no

written language written language The warriors and herders used hymns to tell The warriors and herders used hymns to tell

their historytheir history After settling, the Aryans developed a After settling, the Aryans developed a

written language based on Sanskritwritten language based on Sanskrit

IndiaIndia

Once they had writing, the Aryan Priests Once they had writing, the Aryan Priests collected the old poems, legends, and hymns collected the old poems, legends, and hymns into a volume of 4 holy books—into a volume of 4 holy books—the the VedasVedas

The The VedasVedas became the basis for Aryan religion became the basis for Aryan religion The oldest of the 4 books is the The oldest of the 4 books is the Rig VedaRig Veda——

considered the oldest religious text still in useconsidered the oldest religious text still in use

IndiaIndia

Aryan society was divided into 4 main Aryan society was divided into 4 main social classes called the social classes called the varnasvarnas:: Warriors (Warriors (KshatriyasKshatriyas))

Most honored classMost honored class

Priests (Priests (BrahmanBrahman)) Studied the Studied the VedasVedas

Merchants, artisans, farmers (Merchants, artisans, farmers (VaisyasVaisyas)) Unskilled workers and servants(Unskilled workers and servants(SudrasSudras))

IndiaIndia

The Aryans made the class system even The Aryans made the class system even more rigid in 500 BCmore rigid in 500 BC

The The varnasvarnas were further divided into were further divided into groups called groups called jatijati JatiJati were based on people’s occupations were based on people’s occupations

ShoemakersShoemakers Potters Potters FarmersFarmers Metal workersMetal workers

IndiaIndia

JatiJati had their own rules for diet, marriage, had their own rules for diet, marriage, and social customsand social customs

Different Different jatijati groups could not socialize groups could not socialize with each otherwith each other

Once born into a Once born into a jatijati, one would remain , one would remain in that group for lifein that group for life

The system of The system of varnasvarnas and and jatijati evolved evolved into the into the caste systemcaste system

IndiaIndia

The Aryans wrote 2 The Aryans wrote 2 important epicsimportant epics

1.) 1.) MahabharataMahabharata Epic poem—100,000 Epic poem—100,000

versesverses Collection of writings Collection of writings

from different authorsfrom different authors Discusses Aryan Discusses Aryan

religion and religion and philosophyphilosophy

2.) 2.) RamayanaRamayana 24,000 verses24,000 verses Tells of an ideal kingTells of an ideal king

—Rama—and his —Rama—and his faithful wife—Sitafaithful wife—Sita

It is a story about It is a story about good and evilgood and evil

Good prevails over Good prevails over evilevil

IndiaIndia

Aryan ReligionAryan Religion Aryans were polytheistsAryans were polytheists

AgniAgni—god of fire—god of fire IndraIndra—god of thunder and war—god of thunder and war Usha—Usha—goddess of dawngoddess of dawn

The Aryans’ religion evolved into The Aryans’ religion evolved into HinduismHinduism Hinduism is based on the many beliefs found in the Hinduism is based on the many beliefs found in the

VedasVedas and the Indian Epics and the Indian Epics

IndiaIndia Many Aryans became tired of the ritual in Many Aryans became tired of the ritual in

the the VedasVedas and began developing new and began developing new religious ideasreligious ideas

These new ideas were written in the These new ideas were written in the UpanishadsUpanishads UpanishadsUpanishads tell of a universal spirit in all tell of a universal spirit in all

living thingsliving things Hindus believed all animals had souls—they Hindus believed all animals had souls—they

banned the killing of any animalbanned the killing of any animal Hindus believe all souls are part of one Hindus believe all souls are part of one

eternal spirit—eternal spirit—BrahmanBrahman NergunaNerguna

IndiaIndia The The UpanishadsUpanishads

encouraged the Hindus encouraged the Hindus to fast and participate in to fast and participate in yoga (prayer)yoga (prayer)

Hindus believe in Hindus believe in reincarnationreincarnation—the soul —the soul is reborn after deathis reborn after death The soul may have many The soul may have many

lifetimes before its final lifetimes before its final joining with joining with Brahman Brahman NergunaNerguna

The cycle of reincarnation The cycle of reincarnation is determined by one’s is determined by one’s karmakarma—how one lived —how one lived his/her life determines his/her life determines what the soul will be what the soul will be reborn intoreborn into

If one lived a just life, the If one lived a just life, the soul may be reborn into soul may be reborn into a higher castea higher caste

If one did not live a just If one did not live a just life, the soul may be life, the soul may be reborn into a snake or reborn into a snake or insectinsect

IndiaIndia

Hindus also practice Hindus also practice ahimsaahimsa—non-violence toward all —non-violence toward all living creaturesliving creatures All living creatures are to be All living creatures are to be

protectedprotected Ultimate aim of all Hindus—Ultimate aim of all Hindus—

mokshamoksha—the release from all —the release from all pain and sufferingpain and suffering One reaching One reaching mokshamoksha has has

ended the cycle of ended the cycle of reincarnation and has reincarnation and has become one with become one with Brahman Brahman NergunaNerguna

To achieve To achieve mokshamoksha, one must , one must participate in:”participate in:” PrayerPrayer Religious ritualReligious ritual Strict self denialStrict self denial Reject all worldly Reject all worldly

possessionspossessions

IndiaIndia

Development of BuddhismDevelopment of Buddhism 500 BC—religious life in India saw a change Hindus were becoming unhappy with the rigid

rituals of Hinduism The people wanted a more spiritual faith Many left their villages to search for answers

in the countryside

IndiaIndia

The founded of the Buddhist faith was a The founded of the Buddhist faith was a KshatriyasKshatriyas Prince— Prince—Siddharta GautamaSiddharta Gautama

IndiaIndia

566 BC—Gautama had a life changing 566 BC—Gautama had a life changing experience—he saw, for the first time, pain, experience—he saw, for the first time, pain, suffering, and deathsuffering, and death

He vowed to find why people suffered and a He vowed to find why people suffered and a way to end people’s sufferingway to end people’s suffering

He left his princely lifestyle, his wife, and He left his princely lifestyle, his wife, and newborn child to wander the countryside newborn child to wander the countryside looking for answerslooking for answers

IndiaIndia

Gautama’s journey to search for answers is Gautama’s journey to search for answers is called the called the Great RenunciationGreat Renunciation

He spent 7 years on the Great RenunciationHe spent 7 years on the Great Renunciation During the 7 years, he lived as a hermit and During the 7 years, he lived as a hermit and

beggarbeggar Legend says that the answers came to Legend says that the answers came to

Gautama while he was meditating under a treeGautama while he was meditating under a tree He began preaching his ideas and gained lots He began preaching his ideas and gained lots

of followers—his followers called him of followers—his followers called him BuddhaBuddha—the “enlightened one—the “enlightened one

IndiaIndia

Buddha’s ideas were set Buddha’s ideas were set down in the down in the Four Noble Four Noble Truths Truths and the and the Eight Fold Eight Fold PathPath

IndiaIndia

Four Noble TruthsFour Noble Truths 1.) All people suffer and 1.) All people suffer and

know sorryknow sorry 2.) People suffer because 2.) People suffer because

their desires bind them to their desires bind them to the cycle of reincarnationthe cycle of reincarnation

3.) To end suffering, one 3.) To end suffering, one must end desiremust end desire

4.) To end desire, follow 4.) To end desire, follow the Eight Fold Paththe Eight Fold Path

Eight Fold PathEight Fold Path 1.) Know the Truth1.) Know the Truth 2.) Resist Evil2.) Resist Evil 3.) Say nothing to hurt 3.) Say nothing to hurt

othersothers 4.) Respect Life4.) Respect Life 5.) Work for the good of 5.) Work for the good of

othersothers 6.) Free minds from evil6.) Free minds from evil 7.) Control your thoughts7.) Control your thoughts 8.) Practice meditation8.) Practice meditation

IndiaIndia

If one followed the Eight Fold Path and If one followed the Eight Fold Path and avoided extremes, one would reach avoided extremes, one would reach NirvanaNirvana——freedom from the cycle of reincarnationfreedom from the cycle of reincarnation

Once reaching Nirvana, a person has become Once reaching Nirvana, a person has become one with the universeone with the universe

Buddhism does not believe in the Hindu caste Buddhism does not believe in the Hindu caste system—anyone can reach enlightenment system—anyone can reach enlightenment regardless of classregardless of class

IndiaIndia

Buddha preached his ideas for 45 years, until Buddha preached his ideas for 45 years, until his deathhis death

He gained lots of followers who continued to He gained lots of followers who continued to preach after Buddha’s deathpreach after Buddha’s death

Buddhist monks took the religion out of India Buddhist monks took the religion out of India into different parts of Asiainto different parts of Asia

ChinaChina MalaysiaMalaysia

KoreaKorea SiamSiam

JapanJapan IndonesiaIndonesia

IndiaIndia

Buddhism’s spread into Asia has made the Buddhism’s spread into Asia has made the religion one of the most dominant in Asia religion one of the most dominant in Asia todaytoday

As the religion spread, the followers began to As the religion spread, the followers began to differ over Buddha’s role, causing 2 forms of differ over Buddha’s role, causing 2 forms of Buddhism to developBuddhism to develop

IndiaIndia

1.) 1.) TheravadaTheravada Found in South AsiaFound in South Asia Follow the original Follow the original

teachingsteachings See Buddha as a teacherSee Buddha as a teacher

2.) 2.) MahayanaMahayana Worships Buddha as a Worships Buddha as a

savior and godsavior and god

Indian EmpiresIndian Empires

After 500 BC, strong kingdoms will dominate After 500 BC, strong kingdoms will dominate South Asia and establish some very powerful South Asia and establish some very powerful empiresempires Mauryan EmpireMauryan Empire Gupta EmpireGupta Empire


1.) 1.) Mauryan EmpireMauryan Empire 321 BC—Chandragupta Maurya overthrew a 321 BC—Chandragupta Maurya overthrew a

powerful kingdom in India and created the powerful kingdom in India and created the Mauryan Empire—located in Northern and Mauryan Empire—located in Northern and Centra IndiaCentra India

His empire lasted until 184 BCHis empire lasted until 184 BC



Chandragupta Maurya’s grandson—Chandragupta Maurya’s grandson—AsokaAsoka——helped the Mauryan empire to grow and helped the Mauryan empire to grow and helped spread Buddhism throughout Asiahelped spread Buddhism throughout Asia

268 BC—he became emperor268 BC—he became emperor He quickly expanded the empire by He quickly expanded the empire by

conquering neighboring kingdomsconquering neighboring kingdoms He controlled 2/3 of IndiaHe controlled 2/3 of India


Asoka experienced a transformation similar to Asoka experienced a transformation similar to Buddha’sBuddha’s

Legend says Asoka had never been to the Legend says Asoka had never been to the battlefield after his army had taken an areabattlefield after his army had taken an area One day, he decided to visit after a battle and was One day, he decided to visit after a battle and was

horrified by what he sayhorrified by what he say He vowed never to rule by force againHe vowed never to rule by force again He converted to Buddhism and became a man of He converted to Buddhism and became a man of

peacepeace


Asoka created laws based on Buddha’s Asoka created laws based on Buddha’s teachingsteachings

His laws were known as the His laws were known as the Rock EdictsRock Edicts He built free hospitals for the peopleHe built free hospitals for the people He built veterinary clinics for animalsHe built veterinary clinics for animals He constructed roads in the empireHe constructed roads in the empire He sent out many missionaries to spread the He sent out many missionaries to spread the

ideas of Buddhismideas of Buddhism


232 BC—Asoka died and the empire slid into 232 BC—Asoka died and the empire slid into declinedecline

The new leaders heavily taxed the peopleThe new leaders heavily taxed the people 184 BC—Mauryan Emperor was murdered184 BC—Mauryan Emperor was murdered Northern India split into separate kingdomsNorthern India split into separate kingdoms


2.) 2.) Gupta EmpireGupta Empire 500 years after the end of the Mauryan Empire 500 years after the end of the Mauryan Empire

fell, another powerful empire emerged in Indiafell, another powerful empire emerged in India—Gupta Empire—Gupta Empire

AD 310—Chandragupta I started the Gupta AD 310—Chandragupta I started the Gupta EmpireEmpire

His empire ruled Northern Indian for 200 His empire ruled Northern Indian for 200 yearsyears



Gupta Empire was HinduGupta Empire was Hindu Gupta leaders encouraged the people to learn Gupta leaders encouraged the people to learn

from the from the UpanishadsUpanishads The Gupta Dynasty has been called India’s The Gupta Dynasty has been called India’s

Golden AgeGolden Age The arts and sciences flourishedThe arts and sciences flourished


Chandragupta II (375-415)Chandragupta II (375-415) Gupta Empire reached its height under Gupta Empire reached its height under

Chandragupta IIChandragupta II He reduced taxesHe reduced taxes Gave the people more freedomGave the people more freedom Education and learning became importantEducation and learning became important Developed a new number—the Zero (0)Developed a new number—the Zero (0) Created new number symbols—1-9 (Arabic Created new number symbols—1-9 (Arabic

Numerals)Numerals)


Gupta scientists understood the Earth was Gupta scientists understood the Earth was roundround

They had a vague knowledge of gravityThey had a vague knowledge of gravity Doctors could set broken bonesDoctors could set broken bones Doctors performed simple operations with Doctors performed simple operations with

newly developed medical toolsnewly developed medical tools


AD 415—Chandragupta II died and empire AD 415—Chandragupta II died and empire began falling apartbegan falling apart

The government became weak and corruptThe government became weak and corrupt Outsiders began invading the empireOutsiders began invading the empire Ad 600s—the empire had disappearedAd 600s—the empire had disappeared Northern India was divided into small Northern India was divided into small

kingdomskingdoms

ChinaChina

China’s early civilization developed China’s early civilization developed along riversalong rivers

Chinese civilization has lasted to this Chinese civilization has lasted to this day—the Chinese civilization is the day—the Chinese civilization is the oldest remaining civilization in the oldest remaining civilization in the worldworld

ChinaChina

China’s GeographyChina’s Geography China, like India, has many natural China, like India, has many natural

barriers that have protected the area barriers that have protected the area for centuriesfor centuries

1/3 of China’s land area consists of 1/3 of China’s land area consists of mountains—in the Southwest lie the mountains—in the Southwest lie the HimalayasHimalayas

North of the Himalayas is the Plateau North of the Himalayas is the Plateau of Tibetof Tibet

ChinaChina

In western China exist more In western China exist more mountains—Kunlun Shan and the mountains—Kunlun Shan and the Tian ShanTian Shan

ChinaChina

There are 3 major rivers in ChinaThere are 3 major rivers in China 1.) Huang River (Yellow River)1.) Huang River (Yellow River)

– Flows for 2900 milesFlows for 2900 miles– River is rich in silt—silt makes the water River is rich in silt—silt makes the water

yellowish in coloryellowish in color 2.) Chang Jiang (Yangtze)2.) Chang Jiang (Yangtze) 3.) Xi Jiang (West River)3.) Xi Jiang (West River)

ChinaChina

ChinaChina

Shang DynastyShang Dynasty 1700 BC—Tang created the 11700 BC—Tang created the 1stst known known

Chinese Dynasty—Shang DynastyChinese Dynasty—Shang Dynasty His dynasty lasted until 1000 BCHis dynasty lasted until 1000 BC The 1The 1stst Shang kings only controlled the Shang kings only controlled the

city of Anyang—on the Yellow Rivercity of Anyang—on the Yellow River Later rulers began expanding the Later rulers began expanding the

kingdom until they had captured the kingdom until they had captured the Yellow River ValleyYellow River Valley

ChinaChina

The Chinese believed in the idea of The Chinese believed in the idea of Mandate of HeavenMandate of Heaven—the gods —the gods chose the kingschose the kings

The gods chose when it was time for The gods chose when it was time for a change in kings or dynastiesa change in kings or dynasties

ChinaChina

The Shang Dynasty ended in 1000 The Shang Dynasty ended in 1000 BC when the Shang emperor was BC when the Shang emperor was assassinatedassassinated

The dynasty had grown weak from The dynasty had grown weak from weak leadershipweak leadership

The people saw it was time for a The people saw it was time for a changechange

ChinaChina

Chinese AchievementsChinese Achievements The Chinese developed a character The Chinese developed a character

writingwriting The written language was difficult to The written language was difficult to

learn—only scribes could read and learn—only scribes could read and writewrite

ChinaChina

The Shang Chinese also made The Shang Chinese also made advancements in the artsadvancements in the arts– Created wonderful bronze castingsCreated wonderful bronze castings– Used jade and ivory to create wonderful Used jade and ivory to create wonderful

works or artworks or art– Created exquisite silk clothCreated exquisite silk cloth– Fine porcelainFine porcelain

ChinaChina

ChinaChina

1100 BC—AD 200, China will be ruled 1100 BC—AD 200, China will be ruled by 3 very powerful dynastiesby 3 very powerful dynasties– Zhou0—ruled China for 800 yearsZhou0—ruled China for 800 years– QinQin– HanHan

ChinaChina

1.) 1.) Zhou DynastyZhou Dynasty 1028 BC—the Zhou Dynasty took 1028 BC—the Zhou Dynasty took

power away from the Shang Dynastypower away from the Shang Dynasty Created a very large empireCreated a very large empire Zhou introduced new ideas to China Zhou introduced new ideas to China

and the worldand the world– Horses were brought into China and Horses were brought into China and

used for travel and workused for travel and work– Added the crossbow to the militaryAdded the crossbow to the military– Started using iron plowsStarted using iron plows

ChinaChina

ChinaChina

200s BC—Zhou leaders had become 200s BC—Zhou leaders had become very weakvery weak

Many of the Chinese city-states were Many of the Chinese city-states were at war with each otherat war with each other

The nobles were warring over landThe nobles were warring over land This civil war allowed for one city-This civil war allowed for one city-

state to rise and take power over state to rise and take power over China--China--QinQin

ChinaChina

2.) 2.) Qin DynastyQin Dynasty 221 BC—the city-state of Qin rose up 221 BC—the city-state of Qin rose up

and took power away from the Zhou and took power away from the Zhou leadersleaders

The Qin Dynasty united China for the The Qin Dynasty united China for the 11stst time time

The Qin created a very strong central The Qin created a very strong central governmentgovernment

ChinaChina

The 1The 1stst Qin emperor— Qin emperor—Qin Qin ShihuangdiShihuangdi

Shihuangdi wanted a China totally Shihuangdi wanted a China totally under his controlunder his control

He divided China into 36 military He divided China into 36 military districts—he was trying to keep districts—he was trying to keep power away from the local lordspower away from the local lords

ChinaChina

Shihuangdi tried to standardize ChinaShihuangdi tried to standardize China– Created a standard set of weights and Created a standard set of weights and

measuresmeasures– Standardized coinsStandardized coins– Created a uniform writing systemCreated a uniform writing system– Established a law code for ChinaEstablished a law code for China– Constructed canals and roads in ChinaConstructed canals and roads in China

ChinaChina

Shihuangdi’s greatest achievement Shihuangdi’s greatest achievement was the was the Great Wall of ChinaGreat Wall of China– The wall was built to protect China from The wall was built to protect China from

a northern invasiona northern invasion– Many of China’s early leaders built small Many of China’s early leaders built small

walls for protectionwalls for protection– Shihuangdi connected the different walls Shihuangdi connected the different walls

to created the Great Wallto created the Great Wall– The Wall is 1400 miles longThe Wall is 1400 miles long

ChinaChina

ChinaChina

To have absolute power in China, To have absolute power in China, Shihuangdi had to take power away Shihuangdi had to take power away from the lordsfrom the lords– He took away the lords’ landHe took away the lords’ land– Lords who still owned land were heavily Lords who still owned land were heavily

taxedtaxed– Shihuangdi began burning books to cut Shihuangdi began burning books to cut

the people off from their pastthe people off from their past

ChinaChina

The Chinese people did not like The Chinese people did not like ShihuangdiShihuangdi

The nobles were angry at the loss of The nobles were angry at the loss of their powertheir power

The peasants were angry at being The peasants were angry at being forced into hard labor—working on forced into hard labor—working on the Great Wallthe Great Wall

210 BC—Shihuangdi died and his 210 BC—Shihuangdi died and his empire soon followedempire soon followed

ChinaChina 3.) 3.) Han DynastyHan Dynasty 207 BC—Liu Bang drove the Qin Dynasty out 207 BC—Liu Bang drove the Qin Dynasty out

of powerof power– He was from a poor peasant family—not royaltyHe was from a poor peasant family—not royalty

202 BC—Bang had eliminated all of his 202 BC—Bang had eliminated all of his enemies and made himself emperor—created enemies and made himself emperor—created the Han Dynasty which ruled China from 202 the Han Dynasty which ruled China from 202 BC—AD 220BC—AD 220– Han rulers were tolerant—unlike Qin ShihuangdiHan rulers were tolerant—unlike Qin Shihuangdi– Han leaders made China prosperous and powerfulHan leaders made China prosperous and powerful

ChinaChina

The height of the Han Empire came The height of the Han Empire came under the 6under the 6thth emperor of the dynasty emperor of the dynasty——Wudi (141-87 BC)Wudi (141-87 BC)

He expanded China by taking over He expanded China by taking over non-Chinese landsnon-Chinese lands– ManchuriaManchuria– KoreaKorea– Parts of IndiaParts of India

ChinaChina

139 BC—Wudi sent out an expedition 139 BC—Wudi sent out an expedition to find new areas to conquerto find new areas to conquer– The leader of the expedition was The leader of the expedition was Zhang Zhang

QianQian– Qian returned 13 years later with a Qian returned 13 years later with a

wonderful talewonderful tale He and his troops were nearly destroyed by He and his troops were nearly destroyed by

a group of barbariansa group of barbarians Qian had served in the barbarains’ prisons Qian had served in the barbarains’ prisons

for 10 yearsfor 10 years

ChinaChina

Qian’s “barbarians” were the RomansQian’s “barbarians” were the Romans For the 1For the 1stst time, China realized they time, China realized they

were not the only advanced were not the only advanced civilization in the worldcivilization in the world

China and Rome began trading, China and Rome began trading, creating the creating the Silk RoadSilk Road—trade route —trade route between the east and westbetween the east and west

ChinaChina

Han China was very stable and Han China was very stable and prosperous for 400 yearsprosperous for 400 years

This 400 year period is called the This 400 year period is called the Pax Pax SinicaSinica—Chinese Peace—Chinese Peace

During the During the Pax SinicaPax Sinica, Wudi , Wudi developed a new way to get qualified developed a new way to get qualified government workers—he created the government workers—he created the civil service systemcivil service system

ChinaChina

In the civil service system, applicants In the civil service system, applicants for government jobs take a testfor government jobs take a test

Those who score higher on the tests Those who score higher on the tests get the better jobsget the better jobs

With the civil service system, Wudi With the civil service system, Wudi was insuring he had the best people was insuring he had the best people working in governmentworking in government

The civil service system also made The civil service system also made education important in Chinaeducation important in China

ChinaChina

A new class of Chinese arose—A new class of Chinese arose—mandarinsmandarins

The mandarins were the educated The mandarins were the educated Chinese civil servants who ran the Chinese civil servants who ran the government of Chinagovernment of China

The mandarins controlled China’s The mandarins controlled China’s government until the early AD 1900’sgovernment until the early AD 1900’s

ChinaChina

When Wudi died in 87 BC, the Han When Wudi died in 87 BC, the Han Dynasty slowly began to fallDynasty slowly began to fall

The land owning lords began gaining The land owning lords began gaining powerpower

AD 220—the Han dynasty came to an AD 220—the Han dynasty came to an endend

The landowners began a civil war The landowners began a civil war that tore China apartthat tore China apart

ChinaChina

China is also the home of 2 China is also the home of 2 philosophies that have helped shape philosophies that have helped shape the culture of many Asian nationsthe culture of many Asian nations– ConfucianismConfucianism– Taoism (Daoism)Taoism (Daoism)

ChinaChina

ConfucianismConfucianism KongziKongzi laid the foundations for laid the foundations for

ConfucianismConfucianism People in western China called Konzi People in western China called Konzi

by his more famous name—by his more famous name—ConfuciusConfucius

ChinaChina

551 BC—Confucius was born into a 551 BC—Confucius was born into a poor familypoor family

@ age 16, he left home, wandering @ age 16, he left home, wandering China looking to be a political advisorChina looking to be a political advisor

He wanted to end the political, He wanted to end the political, personal, and social disorder that he personal, and social disorder that he had seen in his wanderingshad seen in his wanderings

He failed to find a job, so @ age 22 He failed to find a job, so @ age 22 he began teachinghe began teaching

ChinaChina

ChinaChina

Confucius’ main concerns were order Confucius’ main concerns were order and the promotion of orderand the promotion of order

He said everyone had a proper role in He said everyone had a proper role in society and all political and social society and all political and social disorder would end if everyone would disorder would end if everyone would accept their role in lifeaccept their role in life

He said people should live their lives He said people should live their lives according to ethicsaccording to ethics

ChinaChina

Confucius wanted people to respect Confucius wanted people to respect their family, the past, and traditionstheir family, the past, and traditions

He said there were 5 relationships He said there were 5 relationships that everyone must know and followthat everyone must know and follow– Ruler and subjectRuler and subject– Parent and childParent and child– Husband and wifeHusband and wife– Old and youngOld and young– Friend and friendFriend and friend

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Taoism (Daoism)Taoism (Daoism) Developed by LaoziDeveloped by Laozi Taoism seems to be the direct opposite Taoism seems to be the direct opposite

of Confucianismof Confucianism Laozi did not accept formal social Laozi did not accept formal social

structures and people’s roles in societystructures and people’s roles in society Laozi did not like living in publicLaozi did not like living in public He wrote his ideas in the He wrote his ideas in the Dao De JingDao De Jing

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Laozi said Taoist shouldLaozi said Taoist should– Reject wealthReject wealth– Reject powerReject power– Reject ambitionReject ambition– Reject social structuresReject social structures– Reject formal codes of behaviorReject formal codes of behavior– Get in touch with natureGet in touch with nature

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Taoism also believes in the Taoism also believes in the Yin and Yin and YangYang—2 opposite forces of nature —2 opposite forces of nature that must be in harmonythat must be in harmony– YinYin

Cool, dark, female, passiveCool, dark, female, passive

– YangYang Warm, light, male, aggressiveWarm, light, male, aggressive

ChinaChina

Although Confucianism and Taoism Although Confucianism and Taoism seem opposite, a person could be seem opposite, a person could be bothboth– Use Confucianism for government and Use Confucianism for government and

one’s place in the social orderone’s place in the social order– Use Taoism to achieve harmony with Use Taoism to achieve harmony with

naturenature

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Asian Cultures Chris Anderson Randolph-Henry High School