East Asia
East Asia is a diverse region with a rich cultural history. Multiple ancient civilizations were established in this region. These include ancient China, ancient Japan, ancient Korea, and the Mongol Empire. Although these nations have influenced each other, they all have their own distinct histories, cultures, and traditions. In this topic, you will explore the cultural influences of East Asia. You will also learn about the economic characteristics of this region.
Essential Questions
- What are the major regions and cities of East Asia?
- What cultural influences and landscapes define East Asia?
- What characteristics define the economic activities of East Asia?
Warm-Up
The Great Wall of China is one of the most famous landmarks in East Asia. It stretches over 13,000 miles, from Beijing to the Gobi Desert. The Great Wall of China was historically used as a defensive barrier along China’s northern border. The Great Wall actually consists of several walls built over a long period of time. The oldest walls were constructed around 2,500 years ago. The best preserved sections were built during the Ming Dynasty, which lasted from 1368 to 1644 A.D. (C.E.). The structure was constructed by hand in an era that predates modern machinery. It is a great source of Chinese pride.
If you could talk to someone who helped build the Great Wall of China, what questions would you ask him or her? What kinds of responses to your questions might you receive? Does the Great Wall of China remind you of landmarks from any other culture you have learned about in this course? If so, which ones, and in what ways are they similar?