Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Objectives:
1. We will be able to analyze factors that led to the rise and fall of cities on the Indus.
2. We will be able to analyze factors that led to the rise of river dynasties in China.
3. We will be able to compare and contrast the four major river valley civilizations.
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B. Dynasties and a Culture Emerge
a. Xia Dynasty emerges around 2000 BC
i. However, the Shang Dynasty (1700 to 1027 BC) left written records
b. Chinese Culture
i. Saw themselves as "civilized" world, and non-Chinese as uncivilized
ii. Family was vital, particularly respect to parents
iii. Marriages were arranged for daughters 13-16
iv. Social classes sharply divided (nobles and peasants)
v. Religion: Ancestors acted as spirits (Good and Bad_
c. Writing System
i. Each character stands for one syllable or unit of language
1. Many (elite) could read but not all spoke the same way....MANY
different characters
C. The Zhou Dynasty and its Cycle
a. 1027 BC- The Zhou overthrew the Shang
i. Did so because of the Mandate of Heaven
ii. The Zhou controlled through Feudalism
1. Nobles are granted the use of lands that belong to the king. Nobles owe
loyalty to
the
king.
2.
2.
D. Greater
Technology and the Zhou
Downfall
a. Roads and Canals stimulated trade and agriculture
b. Coined money furthered trade
c. Quality Iron production not matched by Europe until the Middle Age
d. Impressive Silk
e. Warring states emerged in the later periods of the Zhou Dynasty (1027-256 BC)
i. Traditional values collapsed
MESOPOTAMI
A
Location/
Geograp
hy
Social
Structur
e
Technolo
gy
Governm
ent
Trade/
Economy
Religion
Other
Info
EGYPT
INDUS VALLEY
CHINA