Ancient China Study Guide

What is a dynastic cycle? A dynastic cycle refers to the rise, flourishing, and fall of ruling families and dynasties in ancient China.

What is the Mandate of heaven? The Mandate of Heaven is the ancient Chinese belief that royal authority is granted by heaven and that a dynasty's right to rule depends on its virtue and ability to govern wisely.

What concept is tied to the dynastic cycle? The concept of the dynastic cycle is tied to the Mandate of Heaven, as dynasties lose their legitimacy and authority if they fail to govern well.

What goods were taken to China from Europe? Goods taken to China from Europe included silk, spices, glassware, and precious metals.

The Han rulers replaced Legalism with which of the following? The Han rulers replaced Legalism with Confucianism as the main ideology of governance.

What is the meaning of filial piety? Filial piety means respect for one's parents and ancestors and is a key virtue in Chinese culture.

What were the accomplishments of the Qin dynasty? The Qin dynasty's accomplishments include the unification of China, the standardization of measurements, and the construction of the Great Wall.

Which was China's chief trade good? China's chief trade good was silk, highly valued in trade.

Which of the following was meant to protect Shi Huangdi in death? The Terracotta Army was meant to protect Shi Huangdi in death, serving as a form of funerary art.

Which Chinese contribution paved the way for the development of the present-day GPS receiver? The invention of the compass in ancient China paved the way for the development of the present-day GPS receiver.

China's civilization developed between which two rivers? China's civilization developed between the Yellow River (Huang He) and the Yangtze River (Chang Jiang).

What government reform did the Han rulers make? The Han rulers made significant government reforms by establishing a merit-based bureaucratic system.

Which invention allowed ideas to spread farther and faster than ever? The invention of the printing press allowed ideas to spread farther and faster than ever.

Which Chinese philosophy focuses on living in harmony with nature? Daoism is the Chinese philosophy that focuses on living in harmony with nature.

How long ago does Fredrik Hiebert conclude traders began traveling along the Silk Roads? Fredrik Hiebert concludes that traders began traveling along the Silk Roads around 2000 years ago.

Why did Shi Huangdi build the Great Wall? Shi Huangdi built the Great Wall to protect China from invasions by northern tribes.