Chinese History Flashcards

Flashcards on Pre-Modern China

Filial Piety

The basis of Chinese society and culture in the Middle Ages, defining relationships based on respect and deference.

Mandate of Heaven

A Confucian idea of balance in relationships, where the emperor's legitimacy is tied to honoring his role.

Dynastic Cycle

Signs of favor or disfavor from Heaven determining whether a dynasty retains the Mandate of Heaven.

Han Dynasty

A period of Chinese history from 200 BCE- 220 CE, viewed as an ideal golden age despite subsequent wars.

Three Kingdoms Period

Three major states (Wei, Wu, and Shu) fought over the remains of the Han Empire.

North-South Divide of China (280-589 CE)

A period marked by the division of China along the Yangtze River, leading to economic and technological disparities between the North and South.

Wen Emperor (Sui Dynasty)

Reunited China by defeating the Northern Zhou, promoting unity and trade.

Tang Dynasty

A dynasty that overthrew the Sui and ushered in a new golden age.

The Grand Canal (JingHang Canal)

Built by the Sui Dynasty, it's the longest artificial river connecting Beijing and Hangzhou, facilitating trade and communication.