• Grew up along the Huang-He “Yellow” river• Prone to violent and unpredictable flooding• Was the Yellow river more like the Tigris and

Euphrates or the Nile?

China

• Long distances and physical barriers isolated China, blocking cultural diffusion

• Protected China from invasion • Isolation contributed to the Chinese belief

that China was the center of the earth and the only civilization, “Middle Kingdom”

Impact of China’s Geography

• The Xia- 2200-1800 B.C.E.• Once thought to be mythical• Kings closely linked to religion- performed

rituals and sacrifices; spoke to gods on behalf of the people

• Irrigation and pottery• Walled towns

Early Dynasties

• The Shang- 1700-1100 B.C.E.• First system of writing in China (eventually,

writing provides unity and a common cultural element for China)

• Crafted bronze- sign of status• Had a class system (nobles, artisans, peasants,

slaves)• Horse-drawn chariots• Strengthened govt.

• Oracle bones– Integral to knowledge about the Shang– Priests would inscribe questions on an animal

bone (usually turtle shell)– They would then heat the bone and interpret the

resulting cracks• Ancestor worship• Gods controlled forces of nature and shaped

human lives

Shang religion

• 1100 B.C.E.-500 C.E.• Used the idea of the Mandate of Heaven to

help give credibility to their govt.– Right to rule comes from the gods– Ruler is considered the “Son of Heaven”– Rulers should be wise and principled– Disasters, economic problems, and corruption

were signs that the gods were displeased– Basis for the Dynastic Cycle

The Zhou

• Zhou contributed China’s earliest poetry (Book of Songs)

• Confucius- philosopher of the late Zhou era • Established trade routes• First coins• Population increase

Three Philosophies

• Confucianism• Legalism• Daoism

Religion or Philosophy?

• Traditional Chinese beliefs are often mistakenly called religions and they are not…

• Confucianism, Legalism and Daoism are not religions

• They are philosophies (secular emphasis)

Confucianism

Teachings of Confucius • China’s most influential scholar

was Kongfuzi (551-479 BCE)• concerned with:

• how to ensure social order • good government.

• His teachings were collected in a work called the Analects• Written by his students• Confucianism began during

the Zhou dynasty

Teachings of Confucius

Confucius & The Analects His ideas included that everyone has duties and Responsibilities (reciprocal): Filial piety, or respect for parents, is the most

important duty. A ruler has the responsibility to provide good

government. In return, the people should be respectful and loyal subjects.

Government leaders and officials should be well educated.

Harmony is achieved when people accept their place in society.

Education is essential Patriarchal – men dominant; women should be chaste

• Did Confucianism adhere to a rigid or loose class structure?

• Was it possible to “promote” yourself in society or gain equality if you were in a subordinate position? i.e. a peasant, a woman?

Legalism• People are evil• Emphasized the

importance of strict laws and harsh punishments

• Strong leader and central government

• Became official policy of Qin dynasty Hanfeizi

DaoismFounded by Lao Tzu (604-517 BCE)Emphasized living in harmony with natureA direct reaction to the formalism of Confucianism:

Daoism looked for the simple Confucianism more concerned with work ethic and proper conduct

Laozi

Both Confucianism and Daoism were based on Chinese traditions

Both were responses to problems in society (warring states period occurs soon after Confucius and Lao Tzu)

Of the Chinese philosophies, which has had the most widespread and long-term influence?

Japan? Korea?

An old saying…Confucius has a sour

look as he tastes the vinegar.

Buddha has a bitter look as he tastes the vinegar.

Laozi has a smile as he tastes the vinegar.

Yin and Yang

• The female is the yin (shady)– principle of passive,

shaded, and reflective. (moon)

• The male is the yang (sunny)– principle of active,

bright, and shining. (sun)

Early civilizations in Mesoamerica

• Olmecs- 1500 B.C.E.• “Rubber people”• Settlements began as

religious centers• Stone heads• Foundation for other

Mesoamerican cultures

• The Chavin- built by community cooperation• Irrigation systems, temples• No central govt.• Geographic barriers block trade

South America

The Nazca Lines

1. Killer Whale2. Wing3. Baby Condor4. Bird5. Animal6. Spiral7. Lizard8. Tree9. Hands10. Spiral11. Spider12. Flower13. Dog 14. Astronaut15. Triangle 16. Whale 17. Trapazoids18. Star19. Pelican20. Bird21. Trapazoid22. Hummingbird23. Trapezoid 24. Monkey 25. Llama 26. Trapezoids