Ancient China Dynasties History
Ancient China Dynasties History
Ancient China Ancient China is a civilization that dates back thousands years. China’s history is long and varied. Many dynasties ruled the country over this time. What is a Dynasty? A dynasty refers to a family that rules over a country for a long time. The ruler of the country, usually the head of a family, is the emperor or the king. If the ruler passes away, the power will be re-assigned to another family member, typically the oldest son. The new dynasty will begin when the family that controls it takes over.
Qin Shi Huangdi was the first Emperor in China. It was a blessing from the gods that granted the ruler the right to govern. To keep the Mandate, a ruler must be a good and right-minded ruler. The Mandate of Heaven is lost when a ruler or dynasty loses power. Shang (1570-1045 BC) – This Shang ruled a large portion of the region along the Yellow River. The great city of Yin was their last capital. Zhou (1045 – 256 BC) — The Zhou was the longest reigning dynasty of China’s history. They first used the Mandate of Heaven as a justification for their rule. Feudal lords were often able to rule large swathes of the Zhou-related land. Qin (221-26 BC – Shi Huangdi is the first Chinese emperor. Even though this was a short period, much was achieved including the Great Wall. Standards were established to determine weights, measurements, money, roads, canals, and writing styles throughout the country.
Future dynasties would use all of these advances to make China strong. Han (206 BC – 220 AD) – The Han dynasty established a civil service to build a strong government. This was also the time when porcelain and paper were invented. The Han also adopted Confucianism and poetry. Six Dynasties (222-581 AD) – China did not unite under one leader for six centuries. Sui (589-618 AD). – China was again united under one rule by the Sui. They built the Grand Canal, and also extended the Great Wall. Tang (618-907), a period of peace, prosperity and sometimes called the Golden Age of Ancient China. Technology, literature and art all thrive.
The world’s biggest city is Chang’an, the capital city. Five Dynasties (907-960) – The Tang dynasty is overthrown by a peasant revolt, bringing about a period for division. Song (960 – 1279). – China, reunited under Song, becomes a leader in science-technology including inventions like the compass and gunpowder. Yuan (1279-12838) – Kublai Khan was a Mongol leader who established the Yuandynasty after the Song was defeated in a long-fought war. Ming (1368-16444) – This is the last great Chinese dynasty. The Ming completed the Great Wall and built a huge palace for the Emperor, the Forbidden city. The Mongols were overthrown by the Ming, who came to power.
