ANCIENT _ CLASSICAL CHINAppt古_古典china.ppt

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ANCIENT AND CLASSICAL CHINA ANCIENT LEGENDS: THE THREE WISE SAGE KINGS King Yao: a virtuous ruler bringing harmony to society King Shun: regulating the four seasons, weights, measures, and units of time King Yu: rescued China from raging floods of the Yellow River Legends reflected the values of society; many may prove true! APPEARANCE OF HUMANS IN EAST ASIA Beginnings were over two hundred thousand years ago Domesticated rice around 7000 B.C.E. in the valley of the Yangzi River Millet cultivation in the valley of the Yellow River Wheat and barley became staple foods of north China by 2000 B.C.E. EMERGENCE OF CHINESE SOCIETY 2ND MILLENNIUM BCE Agricultural villages appeared in the valleys of the two rivers Society was patriarchal Fathers dominated families Elder males ruled village Males performed religious sacrifices Cities, states appeared in north China during 2nd millennium B.C.E. Three dynastic states in the valley of Yellow River: Xia, Shang, Zhou EARLY AGRARIAN SOCIETY The Yellow River Water source at high plateau of Tibet Loess soil carried by the rivers water, hence yellow The river was Chinas Sorrow as it flooded uncontrollably Loess: rich soil, soft, easy to work Neolithic societies after 5000 B.C.E. Yangshao society, 5000-3000 B.C.E. Excavations at Banpo village: fine pottery, bone tools ANCIENT CHINA XIA DYNASTY Archeological discovery of the Xia is still in its preliminary stage Established about 2200 B.C.E. Legendary King Yu, the dynasty founder, a hero of flood control Erlitou: possibly the capital city of the Xia Chinese scholars believe it existed THE SHANG DYNASTY: 1766-1122 B.C.E. Arose in the southern, eastern areas Many records, material remains discovered Bronze metallurgy, monopolized by elite Agricultural surpluses supported large troops Vast network of walled towns Shang-kings were warriors Constant struggle with nobles for power The Shang capital mov