The Early Dynasties

of Ancient China
Chapter 3
The Early Dynasties of Ancient China

Goal:
Students will be engaged in a History lesson about four ancient Chinese
dynasties: Shang, Zhou, Qin, and Han.

Workshop Objectives:
Students will:
Be introduced to Nystroms Atlas of World History and the GeoHistogram.
Become familiar with several technology resources to help increase their
engagement in learning about early dynasties of Ancient China.
Michigan GLCEs
7 W3.1.5 Describe major achievements from Indian, Chinese, Mediterranean, African,
and Southwest and Central Asian civilizations in the areas of art, architecture and culture;
science, technology and mathematics; political life and ideas; philosophy and ethical
beliefs; and military strategy.
7 W3.1.6 Use historic and modern maps to locate and describe trade networks among
empires in the classical era.
7 G1.2.3 Use observations from air photos, photographs (print and CD), films (VCR and
DVD) as the basis for answering geographic questions about the human and physical
characteristics of places and regions.
7 G1.2.6 Apply the skills of geographic inquiry (asking geographic questions, acquiring
geographic information, organizing geographic information, analyzing geographic
information, and answering geographic questions) to analyze a problem or issue of
importance to a region of the Eastern Hemisphere.
Introduction to the Four Dynasties:
Shang, Zhou, Qin, and Han
Shang Dynasty: 1766 1122 B.C.E.

The beginning of Chinas Bronze Age.
We know of the Shang Dynasty because there is
archaeological evidence, including oracle bones and
bronze artifacts.
The Shang built city-states in northeastern China, around
the Yellow River, for which reason they are called the
Yellow River Civilization.
The Shang had bronze weapons and vessels, as well as
earthenware.
The Shang are credited with inventing Chinese writing
because there are written records, notably the oracle
bones.
Introduction to the Four Dynasties:
Shang, Zhou, Qin, and Han
Zhou Dynasty: 1122 256 B.C.E.

Ruled for 900 years.
The Zhou developed a feudal-like system of allegiance and
government that lasted as long as any other dynasty in the
world.
Ox-drawn diggers, iron, horseback riding, coinage, and the
crossbow were introduced during the Zhou dynasty.
Roads, canals, and major irrigation projects were also
developed.
The philosophies of Confucianism and Taoism emerged.
Introduction to the Four Dynasties:
Shang, Zhou, Qin, and Han
Qin Dynasty: 316 206 B.C.E.

Chinas first emperor, Qin Shihuangdi rules and expands China.
During this period the feudal system was replaced by a strong
central bureaucracy.
The Qin government was Legalist, which is a strict system that held
the power of the state and its monarch's interests paramount.
Emperor Qin begins the construction of the Great Wall.
The wall was built to repel nomadic invaders.
When the emperor died, he was buried in an enormous tomb with
a terra cotta army for protection.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bZXxGv52t8&list=PLZZhVHP
aO1zhQb8z6WvmlY0cpEKc1iuIH&index=1

Introduction to the Four Dynasties:
Shang, Zhou, Qin, and Han
Han Dynasty: 206 B.C.E. 210 C.E.

Chinas first Golden Age due to many achievements in
government, science and technology.
The Han Dynasty lasted for four centuries.
During this period, Confucianism became state doctrine.
China had contact with the west via the Silk Road.
The empire of the Han extended into Mongolia, Vietnam,
and Korea.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VS7pKZJ3zPs&list=PLZZ
hVHPaO1zhQb8z6WvmlY0cpEKc1iuIH&index=2
Activity: Incorporating the Atlas of
World History & GeoHistogram
Timeline Activity
Directions/Rubric for Ancient Civilizations in Latin America Timeline
1. 2 pts. Choose any 10 dates that you think are important to include on your timeline (Pick at least 2 from
each of the four dynasties: Shang, Zhou, Qin, and Han)
2. To help you organize your timeline, write the years in order from earliest to most recent (chronological
order) on a separate sheet or sticky notes. Remember that B.C.E. or B.C. works like negative numbers.
3. 3 pts. Write your timeline title on the top of your paper. The title should read Dynasties of Ancient China.
Write your name somewhere on the timeline too.
4. Draw a straight line across the middle of your paper. Use a ruler!
5. 2 pts. Make 10 markings on your timeline to record your years.
6. 10 pts. Neatly write the years in chronological order and provide a brief summary of each event on the
bottom of the markings. Be sure to add B.C.E after each year.
7. 3 pts. Draw and color a picture/symbol on the top of each year/event. Make sure your pictures are nice
and big and also relate to the events.
8. This timeline is worth 20 points! Follow all of the directions listed above before you turn in your timeline
Tips: Write and draw everything by using a pencil before you color. Make your timeline colorful. Show quality
work!

B.C. Before Christ
A.D. Anno Domini, In the
Year of the Lord


B.C.E. Before the Common
Era (same as B.C.)
C.E. In the Common Era
(same as A.D.)
Negative and Positive years
or BCE and CE
Before Common
Era (BCE)
Common Era
(CE)
1 CE 2 CE 3 CE 4 CE 1 BCE 2 BCE 3 BCE 4 BCE

B.C.E is on the left of the timeline and C.E. is on the right, just
like a number line!
To the left, to the left. B.C.E. is always on the left.

--------------B.C.E 0 C.E.--------------
1 2 3 4
Timeline Vocabulary
1900 2000 1910 1990 1980 1970 1960 1950 1940 1930 1920
decade =
10 years

century =
100 years

Flocabulary
www.Flocabulary.com
Flocabulary presents academic content in a highly-engaging,
contemporary format.
The topic speaks for itself, providing you the student with both visual
and auditory exposure.
You can play and pause the video while discussing the lyrics.
The lyrics are visible below the video and also available as a
printable PDF.
Whats Your Story?
Whats Your Story?
It requires you the student to bring a historical
figure from an era/empire/dynasty to life by
writing a short story using a first-person
narrative.
You the student will use the internet to
research information and find pictures
relating to the historical figure.
The information and pictures are then added
to one slide using PowerPoint.
This activity will help you the student deepen
your understanding about the topics
covered in class. Best of all, the project can
be completed in one class period!
Although my dynasty only lasted for about 15 years, I made changes that
would affect the history of China for thousands of years. To show my
importance and power, I gave myself the name, Qin Shihuangdi, which
means Qin, the first emperor of China.

I reorganized the affairs of China. Instead of a system of noblemen, I
wanted everything to be under my direct authority and control. I
established a strict set of written laws that were recognized throughout
China, and set up military control in each region of China so that local
noblemen could not rebel against me.

While its true that my people feared me and wished for a new, nicer
emperor, it is important to note that I also did many wonderful things for
the people of China: I expanded the size of the Chinese state,
standardized the standard units of measurements, led the Great Wall
project, and developed an extensive network of roads and canals
connecting the provinces to improve trade between them.

I am so influential
that the name of
the nation, China,
is a derivative of
my name, Qin!!
Whats Your Story,
Emperor Qin
Shihuangdi?