Ancient Chinese Dynasties, Philosophies, and Geography

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering ancient Chinese dynasties, primary philosophies, historical achievements, and major geographic features.

Fu Shui

A practice meaning the organization of one's surroundings for positive energy, which serves as a key component of Taoism.

Legalism

An ancient Chinese ideology asserting that a peaceful society is achieved when the government is strict and laws enforce harsh punishments.

Confucianism

An ideology holding that government has a duty to set an example of right conduct and followed by people who live their lives according to good conduct and moral character.

Taoism

An ideology created by Lao Tzu that incorporates Fu Shui and views the Yin & Yang as the balance in nature.

Lao Tzu

The historical figure who created Taoism.

Yin & Yang

A fundamental concept in Taoism representing balance in nature.

Mandate of Heaven

A philosophical and political doctrine held by the Zhou dynasty to legitimize their rule.

Xia Dynasty

The ancient Chinese dynasty that appeared chronologically before the Shang dynasty.

Shang Dynasty

The ancient Chinese dynasty that created a 12-month and 30-day calendar, used horses and carriages, built China's first cities, created the first currency, and was confirmed through oracle bone inscriptions.

Oracle Bones

Artifacts containing written evidence that proved the existence of the Shang dynasty as China's first historically verified dynasty.

Zhou Dynasty

The dynasty that overthrew the Shang dynasty, utilized iron weapons and plows, held the Mandate of Heaven, and was the era when Taoism, Confucianism, and Legalism developed.

Qin Dynasty

The ancient dynasty that ruled before the Han dynasty, constructed the Great Wall of China, and instituted a standardized system of weights and measures.

Han Dynasty

The ancient dynasty that ruled after the Qin dynasty, utilized paper, and established the Silk Road.

Ming Dynasty

The Chinese dynasty that ruled after the Zhou dynasty and was the last to update the Great Wall of China.

Great Wall of China

A major fortification constructed by the Qin dynasty and last updated by the Ming dynasty, which does not run in a North-South direction.

Silk Road

An extensive ancient trade network established during the Han dynasty.

Tibetan Plateau

A geographic plateau situated between the Great Wall of China and the Himalayan Mountains that is considered the top of the world.

Himalayan Mountains

A large mountain range spreading across China, India, and Nepal that is located farther south than the Tibetan Plateau, Gobi Desert, and Taklimakan Desert.

Taklimakan Desert

The second desert in China, with the Gobi Desert being the first.

Yangtze

The longest river in China.

Huang He

A major Chinese river whose name translates to the Yellow River.