DynastiesDynasties

Similar to Egypt Culture stays mostly the same throughout

First starts 2070 BC

Last falls 1911 AD

Not all equally powerful

Similar to Egypt Culture stays mostly the same throughout

First starts 2070 BC

Last falls 1911 AD

Not all equally powerful

List of Major Dynasties: Xia, Shang, Zhou, Qin, Han, Jin, Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, Qing

List of Major Dynasties: Xia, Shang, Zhou, Qin, Han, Jin, Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, Qing

Xia and Shang Dynasties

Xia and Shang Dynasties

Xia once thought to be mythical

Archaeology is beginning to support it’s existence

Hard to prove either way

Xia once thought to be mythical

Archaeology is beginning to support it’s existence

Hard to prove either way

Shang DynastyShang Dynasty

1705 BC Much better understood than Xia though not completely

Bonze casting (weapons, etc.)

1705 BC Much better understood than Xia though not completely

Bonze casting (weapons, etc.)

Shang cont.Shang cont.

Oracle bones

Divination

Oracle bones

Divination

Zhou Dynasty (1045-256 BC)

Zhou Dynasty (1045-256 BC)

Longest in Chinese history

Constantly dealing with ‘barbarian’ hordes

First Chinese dynasty to use chariots

Invented crossbow

Longest in Chinese history

Constantly dealing with ‘barbarian’ hordes

First Chinese dynasty to use chariots

Invented crossbow

Example of Chinese Repeating CrossbowExample of Chinese Repeating Crossbow

Chinese Repeating Crossbow Chinese Repeating Crossbow

Zhou cont.Zhou cont.

Governmental concepts

Mandate of Heaven (Divine Right of Kings)

Emperor chosen by gods

Governmental concepts

Mandate of Heaven (Divine Right of Kings)

Emperor chosen by gods