Ancient China

These three philosophies developed in China between 500 BCE - 200 BCE

Confucianism, Daoism, Legalism

Philosophy

The study of the basic ideas about knowledge and what is right vs. wrong.

Confucianism

The teachings of Confucius

The Analects

The book that contains the beliefs and ideas of Confucius

Zhou Dynasty

Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism developed during this dynasty

Some of Confucius' core beliefs and teachings:

- Rulers need to be fair and set an example for good behavior.
- People should live with integrity and return to traditional Chinese values
- People should put the needs of their family and community first
- Government service should be open to all men of ability and merit
- People should live according to good conduct and moral judgement

The 5 Key Relationships

According to Confucius, these relationships needed to be respected in order for there to be peace and order in society:
- Ruler & subject
- Parent & child
- Husband & wife
- Older brother & younger brother
- Friend & friend

Kong Zi

Confucius' real name

Laozi

The founder of Daoism

Dao

The 'way' or 'path' - the fundamental principle that guides the universe and human behavior in Daoism.

Daoism

A philosophy that encourages harmony with nature

Yin and yang

Two opposing forces that are present in all of nature. This is a major belief of Daoism

Dao de Jing

Compilation of Laozi's teachings on Daoism

Hanfeizi

Founder of Legalism

School of Law

Another name for Legalism

Legalism

A philosophy that claims that strict laws and harsh punishments are necessary to force people to do their duty. This philosophy stresses that humans are naturally evil

Xia Dynasty

This was China’s first unofficial dynasty, that ruled around 2100 - 1800 BCE

Shang Dynasty

This was China’s first official dynasty, that ruled around 1750-1045 BCE

Zhou Dynasty

This was China’s second official dynasty, that ruled between 1045-256 BCE

Qin Dynasty

This dynasty ruled China from 221 - 206 BCE

Han Dynasty

This dynasty ruled China from 206 BCE - 220 CE

Qin Shi Huang Di

The first Qin Emperor (born Ying Zheng) who unified China and died by drinking mercury believing it was a magical elixir that would make him live forever.

How did Qin unify China?

• Created a unified system of weights and measurements

• Standardized coins

• Made a uniform writing system

• Set up a uniform code of laws for everyone to follow

Great Wall of China

This was built during the Qin Dynasty, and again during the later Ming Dynasty, to protect China from northern invaders.

Philosophy used during Qin Dynasty

Legalism

Terracotta Warriors & Tomb of Qin Shi Huang Di

This was built between 246-208 BCE to house the tomb of Qin Shi Huang Di. It was supposed to be an underground city for the emperor to rule over in the afterlife. It was found in 1974 CE.

Liu Bang

Originally a farmer, he overthrew the Qin Dynasty and founded the Han Dynasty, becoming its first emperor.

Emperor Han Wu Di

He led the Han Dynasty during its peak

Silk Road

Trading routes that were established during the Han Dynasty

Tenant Farmers

Farmers that worked the land owned by wealthy aristocrats

Han Dynasty

This dynasty brought China to its largest size in ancient times

Civil Service System

A system that used exams (based on Confucianism) to choose government officials. This was used during the Han Dynasty

Confucianism

This was the philosophy used during the Han Dynasty

Achievements of the Han Dynasty

• Improved roads and canals

• Established the Silk Road

• Was a period of Chinese peace

• Invented paper