Chinese Mythology, Dynasties, and Philosophical Thought: Midterm Review

Hundun (Primordial Chaos)

Mythic concept of formless chaos before creation, symbolizing undifferentiated existence. Appears in Daoist texts like the Zhuangzi as pure natural harmony before division or order.

Pangu (Coiled Antiquity, c. 2000-1500 BCE myth)

The cosmic giant who emerged from a primordial egg and separated heaven and earth. His body became the world's elements, representing early Chinese cosmology and creation through transformation.

Nuwa (Nugua / Girl Kua)

Mythic goddess with a serpent body who created humanity and repaired the heavens after cosmic disaster. Symbol of creation, fertility, and restoration of order.

Fuxi

Culture hero and brother-husband to Nuwa, credited with teaching humanity divination, hunting, and social order. Associated with the invention of the bagua trigrams in the Yijing.

The Classic of Mountains and Seas (Shanhaijing, 4th-1st c. BCE)

Mythic geography describing mountains, deities, and creatures. Reflects early Chinese views of cosmology, nature, and morality.

Chuci (Songs of the South, 3rd-2nd c. BCE)

Collection of poems from the southern state of Chu, attributed to Qu Yuan and others. Blends shamanic imagery and personal lament, revealing emotional individuality in early literature.

Huainanzi (2nd c. BCE, Western Han)

Philosophical compendium sponsored by Prince Liu An. Integrates Daoist, Confucian, and Legalist thought to describe harmony between Heaven, Earth, and humanity.

The Yellow Emperor (Huangdi, c. 2700 BCE)

Mythic founder of Chinese civilization, credited with inventions such as writing and medicine. Embodies ideal rulership and the origins of order and culture.

Yao, Shun, and Yu (c. 2300-2000 BCE)

The Three Sage Kings representing virtuous succession. Yao and Shun ruled morally, while Yu the Great tamed floods and founded the Xia Dynasty.

Neolithic Cultures (5000-3000 BCE)

Cultures such as Yangshao, Liangzhu, and Hongshan developed agriculture, pottery, and jade rituals, laying the foundation for early Chinese civilization.

Taosi (c. 2600-2000 BCE)

Late Neolithic walled settlement showing social stratification and ritual practice, signaling the transition toward dynastic states.

Erlitou Culture (c. 2000-1600 BCE)

Early Bronze Age culture likely linked to the Xia Dynasty; features palaces, bronze vessels, and centralized authority.

Shang Dynasty (c. 1600-1050 BCE)

First historically verified dynasty. Known for bronze craftsmanship, ancestor worship, and oracle bone inscriptions.

Tomb of Lady Hao (c. 1200 BCE)

Royal tomb at Anyang revealing the power of Fu Hao, wife of King Wu Ding. Contained bronzes, jades, and weapons.

Oracle Bone Inscriptions (c. 1200-1045 BCE)

Earliest Chinese writing used for divination by Shang kings. Provides evidence of ritual and political authority.

Sanxingdui (c. 1200 BCE)

Bronze Age site in Sichuan showing unique art and ritual traditions, indicating cultural diversity in early China.

Zhou Dynasty

Succeeded Shang; established feudal rule and moral justification of kingship through the Mandate of Heaven.

Mandate of Heaven

Doctrine that Heaven grants rule based on virtue; failure leads to dynastic change. Became central to Chinese political theory.

Confucius

Philosopher emphasizing moral virtue, filial piety, and harmony. His teachings defined Confucianism.

Mencius

Confucian thinker who argued human nature is inherently good and that rulers should govern through benevolence.

Xunzi

Confucian philosopher who taught that human nature is selfish and must be cultivated through education and ritual.

Laozi

Founder of Daoism and author of the Daodejing. Advocated simplicity and non-action (wuwei) as the way to harmony.

Zhuangzi

Daoist philosopher known for parables promoting freedom from rigid distinctions and harmony with the Dao.

Qin Dynasty

First imperial dynasty uniting China under Qin Shi Huangdi. Implemented Legalist reforms, standardization, and major construction projects like the Great Wall.

Legalism

Political philosophy emphasizing strict law, order, and state control. Prioritized authority and discipline over virtue.

Shang Yang

Qin reformer whose policies centralized power and strengthened the state through strict law and merit-based ranks.

Han Feizi

Legalist philosopher who systematized statecraft theory; influenced Qin administration with pragmatic governance ideas.

Qin Shi Huangdi

The First Emperor; unified China, standardized writing and laws, built Great Wall, and commissioned the Terracotta Army.

Li Si

Prime minister of Qin; implemented centralization, destroyed feudal ranks, and enforced Legalist order.

Han Dynasty

Successor to Qin; established lasting imperial institutions blending Confucian ethics with Legalist administration.

Liu Bang

Founder of Han; rose from commoner to emperor, blending strict control with popular governance.

Han Wudi

Powerful Han emperor who expanded empire, supported Confucianism, and opened Silk Road trade.

Yin-Yang & Five Phases Theory

Cosmological framework describing dynamic balance (Yin/Yang) and elemental cycles (wood, fire, earth, metal, water).

Dong Zhongshu

Han scholar who articulated the Han Synthesis, aligning Confucianism with cosmic harmony.

Sima Qian

Grand Historian of Han; author of Shiji, the first universal history of China.

Mawangdui Tombs

Han tombs with texts on cosmology, medicine, and Daoism, showing intellectual diversity.

Age of Division / Period of Disunion

Era of fragmentation after Han; marked by regional kingdoms, cultural innovation, and spread of Buddhism.

Celestial Masters / Five Pecks of Rice Daoists

Daoist sect led by Zhang Daoling; emphasized moral reform, healing, and community organization.

Yellow Turbans

Daoist-inspired peasant rebellion that weakened the late Han and signaled social unrest.

Three Kingdoms

Wei, Shu-Han, and Wu states competing for power; period of warfare and romanticized heroism.

Northern Wei

Xianbei-led dynasty that unified the north, adopted Chinese culture, and promoted Buddhism.

Empress Dowager Feng

Northern Wei regent who implemented Sinification policies and centralized governance.

Emperor Xiaowen

Northern Wei ruler who advanced Sinification, adopting Chinese dress, language, and Confucian bureaucracy.

Sinification

Process of adopting Han Chinese customs, language, and political models by non-Han rulers.

Equal Land System

Northern Wei land distribution system ensuring fair taxation and preventing land concentration.

Buddhism

Indian religion teaching karma, rebirth, and nirvana; spread widely during this period.

Mahayana Buddhism

Great Vehicle school emphasizing compassion and salvation for all beings via the bodhisattva path.

Kumarajiva

Central Asian monk-translator whose elegant Chinese translations shaped Buddhist doctrine.

Faxian

Chinese monk who traveled to India to collect scriptures; recorded his journey in 'Record of Buddhist Kingdoms'.

Pure Land School

Buddhist sect focusing on faith in Amitabha Buddha and rebirth in the Western Paradise.

Yungang & Longmen Caves

Rock-cut temple complexes with Buddhist art; show Indian influence and Chinese adaptation.

Sui Dynasty

Reunified China after centuries of division; established centralized government and built the Grand Canal.

Yang Jian / Emperor Wen

Founder of the Sui; unified north and south, strengthened bureaucracy, and supported Buddhism.

Yang Guang / Emperor Yang

Second Sui emperor; expanded empire but exhausted resources through canal construction and Korean wars.

Grand Canal

Linked Yellow and Yangtze Rivers; facilitated trade and administration across the empire.

Tang Dynasty

Golden age of empire marked by expansion, law, cosmopolitan culture, and flourishing arts.

Li Shimin / Emperor Taizong

Second Tang emperor; model ruler combining military skill and Confucian governance.

Tang Legal Code

Comprehensive legal code blending Confucian ethics and Legalist order; influenced East Asian law.

Tang Capital Chang'an

Vast cosmopolitan city and model for later capitals; hub of trade, art, and religion.

Empress Wu

Only female emperor; ruled as Zhou dynasty founder; patronized Buddhism and expanded merit system.

Emperor Xuanzong

Presided over Tang cultural peak; patron of arts but his reign ended with the An Lushan Rebellion.

An Lushan Rebellion

Massive uprising that devastated Tang stability and population, marking imperial decline.

Silk Road

Trade network linking China with Central Asia, India, and the West; spread goods and Buddhism.

Xuanzang

Tang monk who journeyed to India for scriptures; enhanced Buddhist scholarship; inspired 'Journey to the West'.

Li Bo / Li Bai

Famous Tang poet; celebrated Daoist spontaneity, nature, and transcendence.

Du Fu

Tang poet-historian; chronicled war and moral decline with humanistic compassion.