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One of the most culturally and historically rich civilizations would begin with the Shang dynasty, the first in an incredibly long line of them. One of the most prominent features of the dynasty was the utilization of bronze; a revolutionary material. Bronze would represent more than a simple material which would be used by peasants, but instead was a mark of royalty - class.

Oracle Bones

The very first etchings which truly resemble Chinese characters can be found inscribed into the tombs of the royal, and the prophetic Oracle bones. Questions would be written into the bones of cattle and shells of turtles. The cracks would be interpreted as answers to the questions asked. Another common usage of these bones would be for a less sacred purpose; keeping history. In total, there have been 150,000 Oracle bones which have been unearthed.

Society

The Shang people were known to be rather intuitive; skilled craftsman with materials like stone, wood, and jade. A complex and intricate irrigation system would be created as well to counter the natural flooding of the Yangtze and Yellow rivers. The lower social class would often be treated with far less dignity; even after death the higher-ups would be shown the upmost respect, being buried with their belongings, food, and other items that hold an amount of significance. Even simple workers would face death, being buried alive, in the tombs of rich.

Religion in China

Religion in China was was common among all classes, polytheistic in nature, setting the stepping stones for religion to come being known as folk religion. The concept of ancestor worship was an incredibly prevalent practice. It would be thought that if the dead were pleased, life would go in a desired manner, however, if not, life would become filled with tragedies. The primary God which would be worshiped, at the time, would be named "Shang Ti." Shang Ti served as a conduit between the heavens and earth; therefore it would be essential to keep him happy through rituals and similar conduct.

The End of the Shang

The Shang Dynasty would eventually fall in 1111 B.C. The Kingdom would lose its fights with simple nomads and "rivaling tribes." This proved to be the downfall of the Kingdom; after numerous and tremendous losses, the "Zhou" dynasty would rise. King Zhou, a particularly cruel individual, would be cast away from his throne.

Citations:

UsHistory.org
“Shang Dynasty: China's First Recorded History” Adapted by Newsela Staff.

USHistory.org July 28th of 2017, Newsela, https://newsela.com/read/lib-ushistory-ancient-china-shang-dynasty/id/32201/

Images:

British Library "Holes drilled into an oracle bone" March 5,2014

Oracle Bones were often used throughout ancient China by priests and assorted mystics.

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                                           The Zhou Dynasty 

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                                           The Zhou Dynasty 

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The Zhou dynasty was the successor to the first dynasty of China; reigning from 1045 to 256 B.C. The sudden overthrowing of the Shang would create a dynastic cycle based solely upon the "Mandate of Heaven;" a concept solely relying upon the the wishes of the Gods up above. Albeit flawed for many evident reasons, the theory was accepted by many at the time. As well, the Zhou would begin a feudalistic government, creating many individual states along the way.

The Zhou dynasty would be home to the creation of two still-prevalent philosophies; Confucianism and Taoism. Confucianism was developed by Confucius and could be considered a religion due to elements of rituals, but yet lacks any true religious aspects (worship of a God etc..). Primary the philosophy focused on that of "saving society (2)" through the devout following of principles such as "moral-self cultivation(2)." Whereas Taoism focused more so on the spiritual nature of the universe. The philosophy's foundation is based upon an overarching idea that the "Tao" is everything in some manner. The "mother of all things(3)" and the "way(3)." The philosophy is rather difficult to describe, as the "true" Tao is something different from one which can be spoken or read aloud.

Cessation would begin by the own doing of the Zhou's. The inherent lack of control due to Feudalism would allow a state to grow a strangle hold of power over the Zhou, after already gradually losing power to individual city states. Finally, the dynasty would collapse in 256 B.C.

Citations for this section:

1. Hardy, Grant. "Zhou dynasty." World Book Advanced, World Book, 2018,
www.worldbookonline.com/advanced/article?id=ar616794. Accessed 17 Dec. 2018.

2. Cline, Erin M. "Confucianism." World Book Advanced, World Book, 2018,
www.worldbookonline.com/advanced/article?id=ar129220. Accessed 17 Dec. 2018.

3. Cline, Erin M. "Taoism." World Book Advanced, World Book, 2018,
www.worldbookonline.com/advanced/article?id=ar546820. Accessed 17 Dec. 2018.

Pictures:

Encyclopedia Britannica, "Confucius, gouache on paper" Circa 1770
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Konfuzius-1770.jpg

A portrait of Confucius; a philosopher who lived during the Zhou Dynasty

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                                          The Qin Dynasty 

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                                          The Qin Dynasty 

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The Qin dynasty would unify China for a very brief period. Reigning from 221 to 202 B.C., the Qin dynasty would embody a new form of government. This would allow the Qin to rise above the failure of feudalism's past.

Pre-Unity

The pre-unity Qin would be separated far from the warring of the Chinese states, and be considered as insignificant. The ruler of the Qin, Xiaogong would partner with a man named Shang Yang. Strict laws would be established within their state, being enforced upon all; regardless of monetary or social status. People were as well introduced in farming. Law would encourage growth and sovereignty at a younger age. Men who were not the owner of a house hold would be forced to pay an additional tax; thus creating young men out of boys rather quickly. Shang Yang would also advocate for a measuring statement to be used for all; making the lives of commoners, and moreover merchants/traders easier.

Unity

The general populace throughout all Chinese states wished for unity; a single unified China. The son of Xiaogong, Huiwang, would soon bring the shattered remains of the Zhou together once more to unify China into a nation once more. In 221 B.C. the Qin would fully be responsible for unifying the whole of China.

Post-Unity

Under Huiwang, China would become better defined; adding additional regions into China mapping the whole country. As well, the writing system would be simplified, and feudalism abolished. A predecessor to the now Great Wall would be constructed under Huiwang's wish, stretching across the Northern border. Many highways would be made to allow the passage of his troops throughout a vast kingdom.

Aside from the glory of Huiwang's Qin empire, there would still remain an amount of shortcomings in his projects. For instance, the construction of a canal would be commenced only to fail. This would kill thousands of laborers in turn. Many would be butchered simply for speaking out against Huiwang, resulting in many "great thinkers" meeting unjust fates.

A tyrant to some, but to himself a peacemaker and harbinger of unity for all.

The fall of the Qin

Huiwang  was scared of his own mortality; fearing death above all else. He would pray to the Gods and look for something to increase his longevity. Huiwang would, evidently, fail to do so. The empire would last for four more years. Emperor Ershidi would be the last to rule in the Qin dynasty. He would fall under attack from oppressed workers who managed to escape, and die. The last Qin prince would surrender his power; signifying the end of an era.

Citations:

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica " The Qin Dynasty and the Unification of China: 221-202 B.C.” Adapted by Newsela Staff. Encyclopedia Britannica, August 2nd 2017, Newsela, https://newsela.com/read/lib-overview-qin-dynasty/id/33046/

A portrait of the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty; Qin Shi Huangd
Yuan, Zhongyi. China's terracotta army and the First Emperor's mausoleum: the art and culture of Qin Shihuang's underground palace. Paramus, New Jersey: Homa & Sekey Books, 2010
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Qinshihuang.jpg

Shi Huangdi was the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty, and would introduce an autocratic system of ruling.

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                                          The Han Dynasty 

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                                          The Han Dynasty 

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The Han dynasty would bring an age of trade and innovation to the Chinese. The Eastern World would soon meet the Western. A proper border wall would be built to keep out invaders in one of the most ambitious projects in human history. The Han Dynasty brought a new wave of religion to the public as well; Buddhism would soon become a recognized and respected religion within the Middle Kingdom. The Han dynasty would last from 403 B.C. to 221 B.C.; the empire lasted for 182 years.

Progress

What prior dynasties lacked was unity; absolutely essential in the foundation of a stable society. The near perpetual unrest of legalism would cause a revolt in as little of 15 years. Feudalism would decentralize any form of centralized power thus making any overarching government void. The old "Lords" of China would be restored to their powers past.

Advancement

Paper was one of the many inventions of the Hans dynasty, or alleged. According to "legend" the advent of paper occurred in A.D 105, though evidence suggests this date is roughly 200 years late. The land of China would grow westward due to the work of emperor Wu Ti. The people were convinced that the work of God was at play, that the mandate of Heaven was being ruled in favor of the Han as all remained calm.

The Silk Road

The Silk Road was not one of only trade but as well of cultural exchange. Wu Ti believed of a great civilization existing to the west; with this he would send the explorer Chang Ch'ien with 100 men to these lands. He would not reach these fabled lands, though he would learn of them. In the following years, Chan Ch'ien would be sent to explore once more; this time returning with the goods of faraway lands. Glass, ivory, and wool were all brought back for Wu Ti to inspect. Furs, spices, jade, iron, bronze items, and silk were all imported to foreign lands. Romans would soon grow incredibly fond of silk clothing after hearing rumors of its greatness.  Acupuncture (puncturing holes in ones skin to treat illness) and herbal medicines became popular alternative medicines. Each of these were common practices at the time. Astronomy as well was studied by the Chinese.

The Wall

A project like this seemed like a dream, a vision, not something meant to take form - The great wall of China was one of the most ambitious and endearing engineering feats in human history. The project would entail an absolutely massive stretch of land, completing roughly 1 mile per day at the cost of 10 lives per mile. The, in comparison, humble Qin wall would be expanded 300 miles.

The Rise After the Fall

The Han dynasty would lose its Mandate of Heaven in A.D. 220. The effects of the Han dynasty still impact China today, and lasted for 400 years.

Citations:
1. Citations:
USHistory.org , "China's Han Dynasty Rises and Falls" Adapted by Newsela Staff.
USHistory.org, 28th of July 2017, Newsela, https://newsela.com/read/lib-ushistory-china-han-dynasty/id/32153/

Sarah Blanchet de Biesanz "Mavis Hiltunen Biesanz at the Great Wall of China" 1981

The Great Wall of China built during the Han dynasty.

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                                             The Sui Dynasty

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                                             The Sui Dynasty

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The Sui Dynasty would unite the North and South who had waged a fruitless civil war for 400 dreadful years. The first emperor under the Sui Dynasty was Yang Jian, instilling a new code of law into the kingdom. Yang would also promote Buddhism and build a new capital near modern day Xi'an. The Sui Dynasty would rein supreme from A.D. 586 - 618.

The end of The Sui

A "grand canal" would be constructed to assist in the transportation of resources such as grain. The canal spanned nearly 1,200 miles; from Hangzhou to Luoyang. The Sui emperor Yangdi would attempt to conquer surrounding kingdoms such as Korea and Manchuria. Yangdi would miserably fail, and suffer a defeat in 612 A.D. The growing restless within the Chinese population would continue to boil until it would result in a revolt in 615 A.D. In 618 A.D., Yangdi would be assassinated, ending a 32 year dynasty.

Citations:

Hardy, Grant. "Sui dynasty." World Book Advanced, World Book, 2018,
www.worldbookonline.com/advanced/article?id=ar538455. Accessed 17 Dec. 2018.

Kaiserkanal bei Suzhou "Grand Canal in China" May 9th, 2015

The Grand Canal constructed during the Sui dynasty.

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Following the fall of the Sui the Tang would rise into political power. The first ruler, Kao-tsu would govern China from 618 A.D. to 626. Kao-tsu implemented a new set of laws and money system consisting of coppers coins and silk ribbons. The code he wrote would exceed his life, as they would exist hundreds of years after. One of Kao-tsu's sons,  General Li Shih-min, would obtain the throne by murdering his political opponents. He would begin his reign in 626 A.D.

The Golden Age of China

Shih-min would soon be known as Emperor Tai-tsung. He boldly shrunk the size of the government, and used remaining money to purchase excess rations for times of crisis. The Chinese territory would be expanded upon with the defeat of the Turks in 657 A.D., signaling further westward expansion. The trades routes of China would now reach the Byzantine empire. Both ideas and goods were frequently exchanged throughout these places. Woodblock printing and gunpowder were as well developed during this period. At the peak of ancient Chinese civilizations, the art of literature would flourish. Writers such as Li Po, Tu Fu, and Wang Wei were all poets who attained fame through the simplicity in their poetry.

The Gradual Fall of the Tang

What is gold does not remain gold forever; this is exemplified by every civilization, and in no way is China an exception to this rule. Late emperor Wu-tsung, a devout Taoist, would attempt to close thousands of Buddhist temples in order to "take control of their wealth (1)." A cultural clash was brewing in the midst of the Chinese. Conflict increased in between natives and foreigners coming to trade; in 836 A.D. China would no longer accept outsiders into the country. The second half of the ninth century would bring the collapse of the Tang. "Factions of the central government (1)" would in-fight; through this a multitude of prominent or valuable political figures would die in. The Chinese would split into 10 separate kingdoms, signifying the cessation of the golden age. The Tang Dynasty would last from 618 A.D. - 907 A.D.

Citations:
1. Citations:
US.History.org " Tang Dynasty — The Golden Age of China" Adapted by Newsela Staff.
USHistory.org, 27th of July 2017, Newsela, https://newsela.com/read/lib-ushistory-china-tang-dynasty/id/32167/

mc559 "Chinese Coins" 14 July 2007
Chinese coins

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Lasting from 960 A.D. to 1279 A.D., the Song Dynasty would bring an era of pre-modernization, akin to a renaissance though it would not carry the same weight.

Invention and Innovation

New methodologies of farming would allow the process to be done more effectively. The introduction of new varieties of rice would take place in this industry. Handheld guns and portable types for printing would see prevalence in this period as well. "Shipbuilding, tea processing, porcelain manufacture, and metalworking advanced. (1)" Although many would be in poverty and endure the hardships of the ancient world, it is thought by many scholars China was the pinnacle of technology and wealth in the world for its time. Neo-Confucianism  would be injected into the mainstream philosophies of China as well. Developed by   philosopher "Zhu Xi," the philosophy encapsulated the beliefs of Taoism, Buddhism, and evidently, Confucianism.

The Mongols

In spite of the success of the Song; the stochastic nature of the world allows nothing to be permanent. In 1126 the capital city of the Song fell to the Ruzhen. The Song now only maintained the southern half of China. This would mark the end of the "North Song;" a term coined used to describe the Song's hold over the whole of China. The "South Song" would last from 1127 A.D. - 1279 and end with a swift invasion from the Mongols. The Yuan dynasty would begin.

Citations:

1. Hardy, Grant. "Song dynasty." World Book Advanced, World Book, 2018,
www.worldbookonline.com/advanced/article?id=ar519820. Accessed 18 Dec. 2018.

Shu Zhenfu et al, Zhongguo junshi shi (Chinese Military History), 1: Arms/Weaponry (fig. 92, p. 117). https://depts.washington.edu/chinaciv/miltech/6zgjbgun.jpg

The Chinese would develop gunpowder during the Song Dynasty. This gunpowder would be utilized by primitive makeshift guns.

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The Ming Dynasty ruled from 1368 to 1644, and served as a world between worlds. Before it, were the Mongols, and after the Ming a period of "Manchu Dominance (1)." The Ming period brought upon a time of culture; one strong enough to influence the surrounding nations of Vietnam, Myanmar, portions of east Asia, and the Turks.

The Rise of the Ming

The rise of the Ming would occur with the fall of the Yuan. The Ming were incredibly autocratic, yet they were known to have one of the most stable dynasties. Zhu Yuanzhang would establish the dynasty. The Ming's government structured itself in a manner which the Manchu would follow later on. It would be follow until the "Imperial institution" was abolished in 1911-1912.

Government

A civil service system was put into place once more and "perfected" by the Ming. The emperor would return to head of the government, and the prime minister position would be no more. Ordeals in individual provinces would be handled by agencies which operate under government bureaus. The Ming would often be forced into battle by both enemies to the north and south. To the northeast lied the Juchen army, pushing the Ming army southward, pushing them back until the great wall was but their last defense. The Ming as well would take a painstaking campaign against the Koreans and Japanese, which each cost them severely.

Culture

The era of the Ming would blossom into the cultural relics we know of today; the grand architecture exemplified by the Forbidden City, located in Beijing. A conservative-looking palace. Pottery and other sculptures are a direct monument to the culture of the Ming. Painting as well would undergo a transformation through this cultural shift. "Literari" and "Professional Academics" were each traditional styles of painting native to Chinese schools. Literature was an art the Mings wished to revive writing by emulating classical works; though they seemed to be more of mimics than their own separate entity. Theater, once popular in the Song dynasty, would see a resurgence in the Ming era.

Citations:
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, "The Ming Dynasty of China: 1368-1644"

adapted by Newsela staff.
Encyilopaedia Britannica,10/13/2017, Newsela, https://newsela.com/read/lib-china-ming-dynasty/id/36090/

English: Old Pine, painting by Fujimoto Tesseki (1816-1863), Honolulu Museum of Art, accession 13188.1
Date | 1859
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fujimoto_Tesseki_(1817-1863)_-_%27Old_Pine%27_Literati_Modern,_Honolulu_Academy_of_Arts.jpg

An example of Literai painting done during the Ming dynasty,