Ancient ChinaGeography and Early Civilizations in China

Where is it located?

Covered a large area of Asia

The climate, soil, landforms, and waterways varied greatly depending on the region

Geography

Contrasting features

North/ East China Southern China

Surrounded by highlands

Have a brief, intense summer rainy season caused by monsoon winds

Very dry

Very warm weather

Humid and rainy◦ Monsoons from S. China

sea bring heavy rains March-September

Effects of Monsoons…

Barriers?

◦ Mountains and seas separated China from other lands

AS A RESULT…

◦ Early Chinese people had very little knowledge of the civilizations of Egypt, India, Rome and Greece

Called themselves the “Middle Kingdom”

Geographic Barriers and their effects on Civilization

The river of Ancient ChinaYellow River or Huang River

Muddiest River in the world

Called “Yellow River” because:◦ carries yellow-brown soil

called loess that is deposited when river floods

Called “China’s Sorrow”

◦ Brought life and took thousands of lives

Why?

◦ Destructive floods came without warning

Flood waters ran so fast it would carve a new path in the land!

Yellow River

Early farming settlements developed into civilizations

Shang Dynasty◦ First civilization in China around 1760 B.C.

◦ Built China’s first cities

◦ Produced China’s first writing system

◦ Could be used for different languages

Made communication easier

◦ Created beautiful works of art using BRONZE!

Early Civilizations in China

Zhou Dynasty

Located directly west of the Shang Dynasty

Conquered the Shang around 1122 B.C.

◦ Ruled China for almost 1,000 years

Eventually…

Split into two parts: Eastern and Western Zhou

◦ Fought each other until a new dynasty emerged:

QIN DYNASTY!!!

Early Civilizations in China

What is the mandate of Heaven?

◦ Chinese believed that rulers came to power because it was their destiny or fate

Mandate = a law or an order

◦ Mandate of Heaven supported a leader’s right to rule his people

◦ Also gave a father the authority over his family

Mandate of Heaven