answersLogoWhite

0

Ancient China

China is one of the oldest civilizations in the world. The first historical records of Ancient China start around 2100 BCE. The period of Ancient China ends with the overthrow of the last dynasty in 1911 when the modern Republic of China was formed. This is the place for questions about all of Ancient China’s innovations in social organization, culture, literature, philosophy, politics and everyday living.

659 Questions

What is a dynasty in ancient China?

The Zhou Periodthis is a very interesting dynasty. The last Shang ruler, a despot according to standard Chinese accounts, was overthrown by a chieftain of a frontier tribe called Zhou (), which had settled in the Wei () Valley in modern Shaanxi ( ) Province. The Zhou dynasty had its capital at Hao (), near the city of Xi'an ( ), or Chang'an ( ), as it was known in its heyday in the imperial period. Sharing the language and culture of the Shang, the early Zhou rulers, through conquest and colonization, gradually sinicized, that is, extended Shang culture through much of China Proper north of the Chang Jiang ( or Yangtze River). The Zhou dynasty lasted longer than any other, from 1027 to 221 B.C. It was philosophers of this period who first enunciated the doctrine of the "mandate of heaven" (tianming or ), the notion that the ruler (the "son of heaven" or ) governed by divine right but that his dethronement would prove that he had lost the mandate. The doctrine explained and justified the demise of the two earlier dynasties and at the same time supported the legitimacy of present and future rulers.

The term feudal has often been applied to the Zhou period because the Zhou's early decentralized rule invites comparison with medieval rule in Europe. At most, however, the early Zhou system was proto-feudal (), being a more sophisticated version of earlier tribal organization, in which effective control depended more on familial ties than on feudal legal bonds. Whatever feudal elements there may have been decreased as time went on. The Zhou amalgam of city-states became progressively centralized and established increasingly impersonal political and economic institutions. These developments, which probably occurred in the latter Zhou period, were manifested in greater central control over local governments and a more routinized agricultural taxation.

In 771 B.C. the Zhou court was sacked, and its king was killed by invading barbarians who were allied with rebel lords. The capital was moved eastward to Luoyang ( ) in present-day Henan ( ) Province. Because of this shift, historians divide the Zhou era into Western Zhou (1027-771 B.C.) and Eastern Zhou (770-221 B.C.). With the royal line broken, the power of the Zhou court gradually diminished; the fragmentation of the kingdom accelerated. Eastern Zhou divides into two subperiods. The first, from 770 to 476 B.C., is called the Spring and Autumn Period ( ), after a famous historical chronicle of the time; the second is known as the Warring States Period (475-221 B.C. ).

What jobs did the ancient Chinese have?

Some of the jobs in the Egyptian civilization would have been:

Priest
Governance
Farmer
Harvester
Carpenter
Merchant
Architect
Mathematician
Astronomer
Dock worker
Boat captain
Diplomat
Historian
Scribe
Artist

The Egyptian Empire was vast and advanced. It would have had many jobs much like we have in the world today, albeit without the same level of technology that we utilize.

What was the main religion in ancient China?

The Hong Wu Emperor of 1368 to 1398 was originally a Buddhist monk before obtaining full power as a ruler, so he continuously promoted his religion. Most rulers that followed him were also Buddhists. The Chia- Ching Emperor (1522-1566) obsessed over Taoism. However, the Wan- Li Emperor brought the dynasty back to Buddhism, which is how it would remain for many years. The government consisted of many Islamic people, who were only tolerated by the Ming. Christianity was argued against by all the religions. The final defeat of the Ming Dynasty closed off the imperial palace to the Jesuit missionaries.

Where was this civilization located in ancient China?

In China, in the eastern parts, the southwest is home to Tibetans and the northwest was inhabited by Tocharians but is now populated by Altaic peoples.

What is the opposite of a dynasty?

There is no direct opposite of a kingdom or realm.

The opposite of a monarchy could be a democracy, although many countries called democracies are actually republics, which do grant great powers to certain individuals.

Who was in the upper class in ancient china?

An aristocrat in china were wealthy land owners who passed their land and provinces from generation to generation. They were a high social class and were the landlords of the vassal's on their land.

What words are there to describe the ancient Chinese culture?

china is one of the four ancient civilazations in the world they still exist it has 3,600 years writen history for more information www.iesglobal.com

How did religion spread in the ancient times?

Answerto trade with one another and tell the what the religion is like and they might like the religion and they might enjoy that religion.

And also there were Crusades

What was the key to the Han tributary system?

The key to the Han tributary system was its diplomatic framework that established relationships between China and neighboring states based on mutual benefit and respect. Through this system, tributary states recognized the superiority of the Han dynasty, which in return offered protection, trade opportunities, and cultural exchange. This arrangement helped to maintain regional stability and promote economic ties, while allowing the Han to assert their influence without direct military conquest. Ultimately, the tributary system facilitated a network of alliances that reinforced the central authority of the Han dynasty.

What is nobility in ancient China?

Nobles are people who work for the emperor or king of China and they are related to the king. Not to get them confused with being a Civil Servant a Civil Servant is someone who works for the emperor or king and they are not related. It's basically the same job.

Who said as a curse 'May you live in interesting times'?

The phrase refers to a common myth that it is Chinese. It comes from a novel by Terry Pratchett, the 'Discworld' series

How was ancient China governed?

A hiarchial system. There was the Emperor who was in charge, The shogun (who had the majority of the real power in china) and then there is The samurai who were very respected warriors of their time, Then there are the farmers (who produced the food in china, obviously.) Then there were those who made the usefull things and equipment for the people of china, Then there were the merchants, Then there were the daiymo who were considered as "non humans" I hope this helped you out.

Why was the Han army so successful?

because it was built to be strong and held people out....................