Ancient Chinese History

Qin (Chin) Dynasty

(221-207 BCE) Founder: Shi Huangdi -`First Emperor' - of China. The first centralized dynasty of China that used Legalism as its base of belief.

Qing (Ching) Dynasty

It was established in 1636, and ruled China proper from 1644 to 1912. It was preceded by the Ming dynasty and succeeded by the Republic of China. The last Imperial Dynasty of China. The Qing multi-cultural empire lasted for almost three centuries and formed the territorial base for modern China. It was the fifth largest empire in world history.

Laozi or Lao-tzu

Legendary Daoist philosopher, the alternate title of the early Chinese text better known in the West as the Daodejing, and the moniker of a deity in the pantheon of organized "religious Daoism" that arose during the later Han dynasty (25-220 C.E.). His name is the pinyin romanization for the Chinese characters which mean "Old Master."

The Dao/Tao

Literally, "The Way" The absolute principle underlying the universe, combining within itself the principles of yin and yang and signifying the way, or code of behavior, that is in harmony with the natural order. The interpretation of Tao in the Tao-te-Ching developed into the philosophical religion of Daoism/Taoism.

Zheng He

Originally born as Ma He in a Muslim family, later captured and made a eunuch, he adopted this surname from Emperor Yongle. He commanded the expeditions of the vast Ming Armada on voyages to Southeast Asia, South Asia, Western Asia, and East Africa from 1405 to 1433. His larger ships stretched 120 meters or more in length. These carried hundreds of sailors on four tiers of decks, with the largest ships having up to 9 masts. As a favorite of the Yongle Emperor, whose usurpation he assisted, he rose to the top of the imperial hierarchy and served as commander of the southern capital Nanjing (the capital was later moved to Beijing by the Yongle Emperor). His voyages were long neglected in official Chinese histories but have become well known in China and abroad since the publication of Liang Qichao's Biography of Our Homeland's Great Navigator, _____________________ in 1904.

Ming Dynasty (Great Ming Empire)

Succeeded Mongol Yuan dynasty in China in 1368; lasted until 1644; initially mounted huge trade expeditions to southern Asia and elsewhere, but later concentrated efforts on internal development within China. Literature, painting, poetry, music, and Chinese opera of various types flourished during the Ming dynasty. The Ming are also associated with some of the finest porcelain ever made, i.e., the Ming Vase pictured. The name Ming means "brightness" in contrast with what were considered the dark, unhappy times of Mongol rule under the Yuan dynasty.

Zhou Dynasty (joe)

the longest lasting Chinese dynasty, during which the use of iron was introduced.

Yuan Dynasty

(1279-1368 CE) The dynasty with Mongol rule in China; centralized with bureaucracy but structure is different: Mongols on top->Persian bureaucrats->Chinese bureaucrats.

Tang Dynasty

(618-907 CE) The Chinese dynasty that was much like the Han, who used Confucianism. Considered a "golden age" in Chinese civilization during its early days. This dynasty had the equal-field system, a bureaucracy based on merit, and a Confucian education system, including standardized test for bureaucratic positions. With minor modifications, the bureaucratic policies of the Tang Dynasty are still in use in Chinese government in the modern day. The Tang ended with a very messy collapse of central authority resulting in the The Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms (907-960 CE) period.

Song Dynasty

(960-1279 CE) The Chinese dynasty that placed much more emphasis on civil administration, industry, education, and arts other than military. With the Song, China became stable once again and institutions, laws, and customs were further codified and integrated into the culture. Neo-Confucianism became the most popular philosophy of the country, influencing these laws and customs, and shaping the culture of China recognizable in the modern day.

Spring and Autumn Period

1st phase of Eastern Zhou dynasty-- tried to regain political authority by connecting with ethnic groups (771-476 BCE). The Spring and Autumn period was a period in Chinese history from approximately 771 to 476 BC (or according to some authorities until 403 BC), which corresponds roughly to the first half of the Eastern Zhou Period. The period's name derives from the Spring and Autumn Annals, a chronicle of the state of Lu between 722 and 479 BC, which tradition associates with Confucius (551-479 BC).

Xia Dynasty

A legendary series of monarchs of early China, traditionally dated to approx. 2200-1600 BCE. Only in the 1960s-1970s did archaeologists manage to establish a more historical record rather than mythical. Founder = Yu the Great.

Sinicization

A process whereby non-Chinese societies come under the influence of Chinese culture, particularly Han Chinese culture, and societal norms.

Sui (Sway) Dynasty

A short-lived imperial dynasty of China of pivotal significance. The Sui unified the Northern and Southern dynasties and reinstalled the rule of ethnic Han Chinese in the entirety of China proper, along with sinicization of former nomadic ethnic minorities (the Five Barbarians) within its territory. It was succeeded by the Tang dynasty, which largely inherited its foundation.

Legalism (China)

A strict philosophy in China that was mainly concerned with the government. Largely ignoring morality or questions on how a society ideally should function, they examined contemporary government; emphasizing a realistic consolidation of the wealth and power of autocrat and state, with the goal of achieving increased order, security and stability. Having close ties with the other schools, some would be a major influence on Taoism and Confucianism, and the current remains highly influential in administration, policy and legal practice in China today. Often compared to Machiavelli's "The Prince"

Warring States Period

Came about as the Zhou began to lose control and different regions began to declare their independence from the Zhou. Seven different states all fought for power. The period from 475 BC until the unification of China under the Qin dynasty, characterized by lack of centralized government in China. It followed the Zhou dynasty. Ying Zheng emerged from the Warring States period supreme in 221 BCE, subduing and unifying the other six states under his rule and proclaiming himself Shi Huangdi -`First Emperor' - of China.

Xia (unconfirmed), Shang, Zhou (Joe), Qin (chin), Han, Sui (sway), Tang, Song, Yuan (wan), Ming, Qing (Ching), Republic, (Mao Zedong)

China's dynasties in order (Learn the song) with pronunciation guide. The Xia are an ancient tribal group that some historians credit as having been dynastic in character. Others are unconvinced.

Daoism or Taoism

Chinese philosophy based on the writings of Lao-tzu ( 6th century BCE), advocating humility and religious piety.

Confucius (551/552-479 BC)

Chinese teacher, philosopher and politician during the so-called Hundred Schools of Thought era during the late Zhou. He was the founder of his namesake philosophy and ethical system that still has many followers in China. It was during the Han dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE) when Confucianism became the dominant political ideology and the Analects became known by that name.

Yu the Great

Founder of the Xia Dynasty. He put irrigation systems into place for flood control along the Yellow River. Often referred to as Yu the Engineer. Established the hereditary system of succession.

Watch your thoughts; for they become words. Watch your words; for they become actions. Watch your actions; for they become habits. Watch your habits; for they become character. Watch your character for it will become your destiny.

Example of the teachings of Lao-tzu, as found in the Daodejing or Tao-te-Ching (rather Yoda like, no?)

"The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones." "Respect yourself and others will respect you." "Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles." "To be wealthy and honored in an unjust society is a disgrace." "Never give a sword to a man who can't dance." "The noble-minded are calm and steady. Little people are forever fussing and fretting." "He Who Knows And Knows That He Knows Is A Wise Man - Follow Him; He Who Knows Not And Knows Not That He Knows Not Is A Fool - Shun Him" "When the wind blows,the grass bends." "Fix your mind on truth, hold firm to virtue, rely on loving kindness, and find your recreation in the Arts."

Examples of the sayings of Confucius/Kongzi found in the Analects

In the 1400s, China owned the greatest seagoing fleet in the world, up to 3,500 ships at its peak. (The U.S. Navy today has only about 430). Some of them were five times the size of the ships being built in Europe at the time. But by 1525, all of China's "Treasure Fleet" ships had been destroyed -- burned in their docks or left to rot by the government. China had been poised to circumnavigate the globe decades before the Europeans did, but instead the Ming Dynasty retracted into itself and entered a 200-year-long self-imposed isolation.. Few people in the West realize how economically and technologically advanced China was by the 1400s. The Treasure Fleet was vast -- some vessels were up to 120 meters long. (For comparison, Christopher Columbus's Santa Maria was only 19 meters.)

Fate of the Great Armada?

Han Dynasty in China

Founded by Liu Bang (a peasant) Second imperial dynasty of China. Considered a golden age in Chinese history - economic prosperity, military advancement, newly conquered territories, science, technology, and mathematics Lasted for four centuries (206 B.C to 209 AD) The Han were succeeded by the Three Kingdoms period. During the Han Dynasty, the Chinese court sponsored the teaching of Confucianism in education and court politics. Confucianism was a religion, philosophical tradition and a way of life.

Shang Dynasty

Founder = Tang who defeated last emperor of Xia, named Jie. Second Chinese dynasty (about 1600-1046 B.C.) which was mostly a farming society ruled by an aristocracy mostly concerned with war. They're best remembered for their art of bronze casting. Also developed writing and distinctive architecture.

Manchu

The Manchu Dynasty reigned in china from 1644-1912 (Synonymous with Quing Dynasty)

Yellow River (Huang He)

The River valley generally believed to be the "cradle of Chinese civilization."

The Spring and Autumn Annals or simply The Annals

The Spring and Autumn Annals or Chunqiu is an ancient Chinese chronicle that has been one of the core Chinese classics since ancient times. The Annals is the official chronicle of the State of Lu, and covers a 241-year period from 722 to 481 BC. It is the earliest surviving Chinese historical text to be arranged in annals form. Because it was traditionally regarded as having been compiled by Confucius, it was included as one of the Five Classics of Chinese literature.

Mandate of Heaven

The Zhou created this concept: the idea that there could be only one legitimate ruler of China at a time, and that this ruler had the blessing of the gods. They used this Mandate to justify their overthrow of the Shang, and their subsequent rule. When a ruler or dynasty ruled in accordance with the laws of harmony that exist all throughout nature, then the virtue of the ruler would produce prosperity, well being, order, and a government good for the people. Those that failed to govern this way would bring disorder and even natural disasters like tsunamis, plagues, droughts, etc., upon the people--and they would not rule long. This is how the Zhou justified the overthrow of the Shang.

Daodejing or Tao-te-Ching

The central Daoist/Taoist text, ascribed to Lao-tzu, the traditional founder of Daoism/Taoism. Apparently written as a guide for rulers, it defined the Dao/Tao, or way, and established the philosophical basis of Taoism.

Kongzi, originally Kong Fuzi. (551-479 BCE)

The name "Confucius" is a Latinized form of this Mandarin Chinese name (孔夫子, meaning "Master Kong"), and was coined in the late 16th century by the early Jesuit missionaries to China.

The Five Barbarians, or Wu Hu

The term "Five Barbarians" or "Five Hu" was first used in the Spring and Autumn Annals of the Sixteen Kingdoms (501-522), which recorded the history of the late Western Jin dynasty and the Sixteen Kingdoms during which rebellions and warfare by and among non-Han Chinese ethnic minorities ravaged Northern China.

The Yongle Emperor

This 3rd emperor of the Ming dynasty was named Zhu Di, but he was called the ___________________ emperor, which literally means "perpetual happiness"--indicating a sense of general optimism that prevailed after the overthrow of the Yuan.

The Art of War

Title of Sun-Tzu's famous work on diplomacy and warfare--written in the Spring and Autumn period.

Five Classics Book of Documents The Book of Documents is a compilation of 58 chapters detailing the events of ancient China. The Book of Documents tells the deeds of the early sage-kings Yao and Shun. These narratives are influential in the development of the understanding of a sage. The compilation also includes the history of the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties. The Book of Documents is often considered the first narrative history of ancient China. Book of Odes The Book of Odes is also translated as the Book of Songs or Book of Poetry. The Book of Odes is comprised of 305 poems dealing with a range of issues, including love and marriage, agricultural concerns, daily lives, and war. The Book of Odes contains different categories of poems, including folk songs and hymns used in sacrifice. Kongzi is believed to have selected the 305 poems in this collection from a much wider collection. Book of Rites The Book of Rites described the social norms, governmental organization, and the ritual conduct during the Zhou dynasty. Believed to have been compiled by Kongzi, the Book of Rites is the foundation of many ritual principles that arise in later imperial China. According to the Book of Rites, proper ritual conduct would maintain harmony in the empire, as well as emphasize the virtue of piety. Book of Changes The Book of Changes contains a system of divination, which is centered largely around the principles of yin and yang. The Book of Changes has also been translated as I Ching or Classic of Changes. Some of the divination practices are still used today. Spring and Autumn Annals As the longest of the Five Classics, the Spring and Autumn Annals is a historical chronicle of the State of Lu. Unlike the Book of Documents, the Spring and Autumn Annals appear to have been created specifically for annalistic purposes. The Spring and Autumn Annals was traditionally understood as being written by Confucius, but modern scholars believe the text was actually written by various chroniclers from the State of Lu.

What are the "Five Classics" of Ancient Chinese literature?

Yoda (Ok, maybe NOT so Lao-tzu)

Who said, "Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering?"

The Analects

Written during the Spring and Autumn period through the Warring States period, this text is a collection of Kongzi's/Confucius' teachings and discussions with disciples. According to this text, the first step in knowing the Way is to devote oneself to learning. In addition to learning, this text emphasizes the importance of good governance, filial piety, virtue, and ritual.

Qin Shi Huangdi and the Qin dynasty

Ying Zheng was the first emperor of a united China, so he proclaimed himself this (221-202 BCE); meaning "first emperor of the Qin or First emperor of China"; A brutal ruler; made nobles give up land & he took control; selected non-aristocratic people to help rule; Burned books and scrolls except for those of Legalism, of which he approved. Began Great Wall; national census; standardized coinage, weights, and measurements, length of axles (road planning); single language. Famous for his tomb filled with thousands of life size terracotta warriors and horses.

Dynasty

a succession of people from the same family who play a prominent role in business, politics, or another field.