Qin Dynasty and Ancient China Lecture Notes

Comprehensive flashcards covering the Great Wall of China, the Terracotta Army, the tomb and rule of Shi Huangdi, and the conflict between the Chinese and the Mongols.

Why was the Great Wall of China difficult to defend due to its size?

It was too large, had remote sections, and suffered from not having enough guards.

What methods did attackers use to bypass the Great Wall?

They broke through the wall, dug under the wall, or used bribery and corruption.

How many people are estimated to have died building the Great Wall, leading it to be called 'The long graveyard'?

Approximately $1/4$ million people.

Which groups of people were primary laborers for the construction of the Great Wall?

Political prisoners and criminals.

What were the various causes of death for workers on the 'long graveyard'?

Exhaustion, falling or injury, being beaten, starvation, heat/cold, disease, and animal attacks.

What is unique about the faces of the figures in the Terracotta Army?

Every face is unique.

What was the height range of the statues in the Terracotta Army?

$5,8$ to $6,2$ feet.

How can the roles of soldiers (such as Generals or Special forces) be identified in the Terracotta Army?

By their hats and hairstyles.

Where is the Tomb of Shi Huangdi located?

Near the Ancient Qin Capital city of Xian in Central China.

How many workers and how many years were required to build the complex for the Tomb of Shi Huangdi?

It took almost $40$ years and $700,000$ workers to build.

What 'hidden' man-made feature marks the Tomb of Shi Huangdi?

A man-made 'mountain' that is $250$ feet tall.

What actions did Shi Huangdi take to eliminate ideas he disliked?

He destroyed Zhou Dynasty texts and pre-warring states writings.

How did Shi Huangdi deal with Confucian critics?

He killed $460$ scholars and burned their texts.

According to the notes, how did the Chinese define themselves in contrast to the Mongols?

The Chinese viewed themselves as 'superior' and 'civilized' because of their agriculture, towns, and villages.

How did the Chinese characterize the Mongols?

They were viewed as 'inferior' and 'barbarians' who were nomads with horses.

In what environment did the Mongols live?

The Steppes of Mongolia, which are grasslands.

What invention allowed the Mongols to use their feet to control horses?

Stirrups.

Where did the Mongols frequently steal crops from Chinese farmers?

Along the Yellow River.

How many kingdoms fought for control during the Warring States period?

Seven kingdoms.

Which kingdom won the Warring States period to control China?

The Qin Dynasty, also known as the Western Kingdom.

What were the two main types of soldiers that helped the Qin Dynasty win?

Great horsemen and foot soldiers.

Who was the first emperor of China?

Qin Shi Huangdi.