Early Chinese Civilizations
China's Geography
Much like the Indus Valley Civilization, part of China's strength came from the fact that it was geographically cut off from the rest of the world by seas, mountains, and deserts. China's homeland was virtually inaccessible to outside invaders. Similar to other river valley civilizations, the Chinese depended on a river to bring them fertile soil. In this interactivity, you will discover more details about China's geography. Click the player button to begin.
View a printable version of this interactivity.
As you know, China has many natural borders that help protect it from outside invaders. It also has one major man-made structure, The Great Wall of China, which separated it from other civilizations they deemed uncivilized. Take a moment to view the video, The Great Wall of China, from eMediaVASM, and learn more about how and why the wall was built. As you watch, take notes on the history of the structure, as well as the political events that surrounded its construction.
Early Chinese Civilization
Chinese culture began in the basin of the Huang He River around 1500 B.C. (B.C.E.). Classical China was governed by a series of ruling families called dynasties. Although archaeologists have found beautiful pottery and artwork from this time, much of this civilization's origins are mysterious. In this interactivity, you will explore Classical China's dynasties and contributions. Click the player button to begin.
View a printable version of this interactivity.
You already learned about the extensive building projects done during the Qin Dynasty, like roads, bridges, canals, and the Great Wall of China. Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of China, spent much of his life searching for immortality. In fact, he built a tomb that included a field of 10,000 terracotta soldiers equipped with weapons, carts, and pack animals. When the emperor died in 210 B.C. (B.C.E.), he was buried in the tomb. In 1974, a Chinese farmer unearthed the terracotta soldiers. In the video, Chinese Artist Creates New Terra-Cotta Army, from eMediaVASM, you will discover why a modern-day artist has recreated the terracotta soldiers to offer a different message. As you view the video, think about why he chose this piece, and what he does to connect the past and present.
The Silk Road
Buddhist nuns at the Three Ancestors Temple, Anhui Province, ChinaAlthough Chinese civilization flourished and increased in wealth, their isolation left them largely unaware of advancements taking place in surrounding nations. Han Emperor Wudi set out to change this, and in 139 B.C. (B.C.E.), he sent General Zhang Qian and his army to visit neighboring civilizations and nomadic tribes. Twelve years later, the general returned with information about warfare, capture, and a civilization to the West that equaled the glory of China.
Wudi did not know the civilization that General Zhang described, but he wanted to trade with them and any others possible. Thus, the emperor began to develop what is now known as the Silk Road. This trade route was comprised of many connected roads and pathways that were used by thousands of travelers over hundreds of years. It spanned over water and land, and ran from Africa and Southwest Asia to China. In fact, the Silk Road went as far away as Rome. As the Silk Road gained popularity, cities and settlements popped up along the route. In fact, it was responsible for the movement of art, ideas, and religion. By following this route, merchant traders brought uniquely Chinese products of silk, delicate rice paper, and porcelain westward, and brought glass, linen, and gold from the West back into China. In addition, missionaries sent by the Mauryan King Asoka, about whom you learned earlier in this module, used the Silk Road to come to China and spread Buddhism. Other religions like Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism were also transmitted along these trade routes.
The Silk Road is the most famous trade route in history. In this interactivity, you will learn more about some of the items along the route that were traded among the ancient civilizations. Click the player button to begin.
View a printable version of this interactivity.
Early Chinese Civilizations Review
Now that you have explored China's geography, dynasties, and the Silk Road, review your knowledge in this interactivity. Click the player button to get started.
