SSWH 2 PresentationAncient World

SSWH 2

Identify the major achievements of Chinese and Indian societies to 500

CE/AD.

You are here

INDIA

CHINA

EgyptMesopotamia

China and India

SSWH 2

Identify the major achievements of Chinese and Indian societies to 500

CE/AD.

Where is India?

A.

Describe the development of Indian civilization, include: the rise and fall of

the Maurya and Gupta Empires.

Early India & Geography

• Early Indian civilizations developed in the Indus River valley– Ancient Indian cities and

towns were all located along the Indus River because of trade and transportation

INDUS RIVER

Early India & Geography

• India is separated from the rest of Asia by two major mountain ranges– Himalayas– Hindu Kush

HimalayasHindu

Kush

Indian subcontinent

• Invaders can only enter the Indian subcontinent over water or through a small number of mountain passes

HimalayasHindu

Kush

Indian subcontinent

•The most well-known mountain pass is the Khyber Pass.

Khyber Pass

Early India & Geography• Plains stretch south

from the mountains• There are two major

rivers on these plains– Indus– Ganges

Indus River

Ganges River

First to Settle - Aryan Civilization● Beginning in 1500 B.C.E., a

group of people called Aryans invaded the Indus River valley

● The Aryans originated from the area north of the Black and Caspian Seas

● The Aryans entered India through the Khyber Pass

● Nomadic at first, settled down into agriculture in Indus Valley

● Each tribe led by a rajah (chief)

To provide social control and conformity

Caste System Established

Mauryan EmpireThe Mauryas: ● Indian dynasty in the fourth-third

centuries BCE● Chandragupta Maurya unified the

subcontinent for the first time● contributed to the spread of

Buddhism● Ruled by a hereditary monarch

aided by an elaborate bureaucracy made up of relatives and close associates who governed regional provinces based on ethnicity

Mauryan Empire● The central government

○ Collected high taxes○ Issued a standard currency ○ Maintained control of mining

● The central government was able to do this due to:○ Having an extensive network of

spies that kept the central government aware of disloyalty

○ Having a powerful standing army that included elephant, chariot, and cavalry divisions

● Agriculture was the primary economic activity

● The extensive network of roads and maritime connections to Southeast Asia and the Middle East helped increase internal and international trade.

● Profited from the export of cotton cloth, iron, and salt.

Mauryan Empire

Chandragupta Maurya(321 - 297 BCE)

● Inspired to unite India after the death of Alexander the Great

● Founded the Mauryan Empire● united Northern India under his rule● efficient and highly organized

autocracy with a standing army and civil service

● Established hash penalties for breaking the law○ i.e. maiming for lying and death

for not paying taxes

Ashoka Maurya(272 BCE - 232 BCE)

● Grandson to Chandragupta Maurya● Last major emperor in the Mauryan

dynasty● Ashoka engaged in violent wars of

conquest.○ Guilt associated with this

violence drove Ashoka to convert to Buddhism.

● Came to power ushering in a period of religious pluralism and tolerance

● After the adoption of Buddhism, Ashoka:○ Never again went to war○ Made it state policy to promote

Buddhism throughout his empire■ Carved his laws on rocks

(Edicts of Ashoka)● Let everyone know of

his conversion to Buddhism

Ashoka Maurya(272 BCE - 232 BCE)

● This policy was an important factor in ensuring the longevity of Buddhism as a major world religion.

● Established free hospitals and veterinary clinics

● Built roads with rest areas for travelers

Ashoka Maurya(272 BCE - 232 BCE)

Fall of the Mauryan Empire● Ashoka dies. Due to a period of decentralization and

waring kingdom creates roughly 500 years of years of turmoil.

1. Weak Successors2. Size of the Empire3. Foreign invasion4. Internal Revolt

What happened next?● The Gupta Empire came to power

in 320 CE. ○ The founder, Chandra Gupta

modeled his rule on that of the Maurya.

● Were able to collect high taxes, demand labor for state projects, and control metal mining and salt production○ NEVER able to maintain the

level of central authority that the Maurya did.

What happened next?● Regional hereditary governors felt

little loyalty or fear for the emperor○ Forced the emperor to rely on

diplomacy to maintain the unity of the empire

● Hinduism was favored by the Gupta Empire○ Enjoyed a resurgence during

the Gupta period○ Strengthening of the Caste

System and the intensification of patriarchy.

Legacy of Strong Rulers Reunites India● Chandragupta I (319 CE - 335 CE)

○ Gains political power and military might

○ Makes the empire powerful● Samudragupta (335 CE - 375 CE)

○ Military genius○ Continues growth of kingdom

● Chandragupta II (375 CE - 415 CE)○ Uses military conquest and

diplomacy to rise to power○ Creates standing military

What happened during the Gupta rule?● Internal and international trade

continued to flourish and major advances were made

● A “Golden Age” was ushered in○ Peace, prosperity, focus on

education and achievements○ Arts, music, literature, and

science grew○ Advances in mathematics

■ development of the decimal system

■ Arabic numerals ■ Pi

● Charitable institutions, schools, orphanages, hospitals, rest houses

● Healthy system of trade● Religious tolerance

● The Gupta Empire fell in the 500s CE as a result of:○ No strong central power○ Nomadic invaders from the northwest.

What happened during the Gupta rule?

B.Describe the development of Chinese

civilization under the Zhou, Qin, and Han.

You are here

INDIA

CHINA

EgyptMesopotamia

China and India

Where is China?

Ancient China• Early societies in China developed along the Yangtze and

Huang He (Yellow River)– It is the 2nd longest river in China.– It is the 4th longest river in the world.– Known as “China’s Sorrow” - because of its flooding– People lived here for 27,000 years

Zhou China (1100 B.C. – 250 B.C.)

● Nomadic tribe that defeated the Shang ● Established new idea - validate their rule

○ Mandate of Heaven: Authority granted by heaven to deserving rulers - supernatural spirits■ If you are fair and just you can

continue to rule○ Established the basic tenets of:

■ filial piety■ adherence to tradition■ patriarchy and duty

● The Zhou were only able to maintain centralized authority until about 800 BCE.

● Use of the Feudal System of government to manage a widespread empire○ Emperor gives land to ‘lords’○ These leaders pledge loyalty to

the Emperor○ These leaders give out jobs and

land to knights and peasants

Zhou China (1100 B.C. – 250 B.C.)

Fall of Zhou Empire● Problems with feudalism:

○ regional leaders given considerable control

○ subjects became loyal to the local power rather than to the Emperor

● By 480 BCE civil war thrust China into the Warring States Period.

● Zhou Dynasty ended in wars and political upheaval… a time known as the Warring States Period

Qin China (221 B.C. – 206 B.C.)

● China was unified by Qin Shihuangdi following the Warring States period

● Utilized strong military power conquer their enemies

● Qin Shihuangdi destroyed the power of the nobles○ removed from their positions and

sent to live in the capital○ 213 B.C. - Shihuangdi burned

thousands of books■ Afraid of scholars and writings

that could challenge his power

● Believed in Legalism as a political philosophy○ argued that humans were

innately self-serving and destructive

○ societal order had to be maintained with strict laws and harsh punishments

● Control people through the use of more guards, strict rules, heavy penalties

Qin China (221 B.C. – 206 B.C.)

Achievements of the Qin● Standardized the Chinese language

and a system of measurement○ weights, measures, coinage

● Unified writing and law code for China● Credit for unifying China economically,

politically, and culturally● Created a legacy of centralized

government unified under one ruler● We get the modern day name for China

from the Qin

Qin China (221 B.C.E – 206 B.C.E)

● State directed the construction of extensive roads and canals, work on the Great Wall of China began

● Connected walls built along the northern border of China to form the Great Wall to protect from invaders

○ It stretched 4,000 miles

End of Qin China

● Shi Huangdi died in 210 BCE● Son was weak leader● Extensive use of forced labor and

excessive taxation quickly led to rebellion

● Hatred for Qin boiled over into rebellion in 206 B.C.

Han China (206 B.C.E – 220 C.E.)

● End of rebellion: peasant named Liu Bang emerged as the new emperor of China and established the Han Dynasty

● maintained many of the policies of the Qin but relaxed the severity through use of Confucianism ○ required leaders to earn the

respect of the governed.● maintained control of an empire

even larger than the Qin

Han China (206 B.C.E – 220 C.E)

● Maintained control of an empire even larger than the Qin○ Capital in Chang’an○ Organized into nine ministries

and regional authorities○ staffed by educated civil

servants who received their appointments based on their score on a rigorous civil service examination

Achievements of Han China (206 B.C.E – 220 C.E)

● effective tax collection system● a postal service● built extensive roads, canals, and

defensive walls● protected the empire from the threat

of nomadic invaders

● security of the Han period led to a thriving economy that engaged in extensive internal and international trade

Collapse of Han China (206 B.C.E – 220 C.E)

● Han Dynasty eventually collapses due to:○ bureaucratic corruption and

infighting○ food shortages○ epidemic disease○ Banditry○ pressure from nomadic

invaders along the northern border

C. Explain the development and impact of

Hinduism and Buddhism on India, and Confucianism on China.

Hinduism● National religion of India● Based on variety of beliefs and practices● Belief in dharma

○ Duties you are expected to perform. The ethical way in which you are supposed to behave.

○ Both of which are based off your station in life.

● Belief in reincarnation (rebirth of the soul)

● The soul is reborn into another body after death

Hinduism

● Karma determines where you are born○ Therefore your actions

determine your station in life ● One can be born into a higher caste

or lower caste● Eventually, one can escape the

cycle and reach enlightenment○ Called moksha○ Prayer, rituals, self-denial and

rejection of worldly possessions can help achieve this

● Fully developed during the Gupta Dynasty (320 CE to 550 CE)

● Ideas that became the norm:○ Hereditary nature of the

occupational classes of the Caste System

○ Patriarchy○ Belief in a pantheon of Gods○ Rich tradition of epic literature○ Construction of monumental

Hindu architecture

Hinduism

Hinduism

Three most important facets/aspects of Brahman:● Brahma – Creator

○ Continues to create new creations● Vishnu – Preserver

○ Preserves new creation, sometimes by traveling to earth if necessary

● Shiva – Destroyer○ Can be compassionate or destructive

● henotheistic: recognize existence of thousands of gods but believe in only one supreme god○ supreme god: Brahman – everything in the world

is considered an aspect of Brahman

HinduismSacred Texts

1. VEDAS2. Ramayana3. Upanishads4. Mahabrata

Buddhism● Founded by Siddhartha Gautama● Called Buddha

○ Means “Enlightened One”

● Legend:○ Born into luxury, became shocked when he drove around in

his chariot and saw poverty and sickness○ Left wife and newborn son to wander around India at age 29○ Lived as hermit for 7 years until finally finding enlightenment

Buddhism● Based on variety of beliefs and practices

○ Karma determines where you are born■ Therefore your actions

determine your station in life○ Belief in dharma

■ Duties you are expected to perform.

■ The ethical way in which you are supposed to behave.

■ But in this case, it is all based off the teachings of Buddha telling you how to act/live

Buddhism● Belief in reincarnation (rebirth of

the soul)● Differs: Rejection of caste

system ● To get rid of suffering, taught:

○ Four Noble Truths:■ All people suffer■ People suffer because of

their material desires ■ Suffering could end by

eliminating desires ■ Following the Eightfold Path

one could eliminate desires

Buddhism● Eightfold Path

1) Know truth2) Resist evil3) Say nothing to hurt others4) Respect life5) Work for the good of others6) Free your mind from evil7) Control your thoughts8) Practice meditation

Buddhism● An alternative to the oppressive nature of Hinduism's caste system and

patriarchal traditions. ○ Offered a life free of the patriarchal system

● The popularity of Buddhism reached its peak in the Mauryan Dynasty (324-184 BCE) under the Emperor Ashoka. ○ Ashoka made it state policy to promote the spread of Buddhism. ○ Policies that ensured Buddhism would endure as a major world

religion. ● Fell out of favor in South Asia but endured as a major faith along the

trade routes in the Indian Ocean and the Silk Road.

Buddhism

● Purpose: To reach nirvana ○ To attain enlightenment

■ (attainment allows escape)● More philosophy than religion, but can be considered

both or either● The Middle Way is important

○ Away from extremes○ Moderation

Diffusion of Buddhism

Ashoka was the first ruler to send out Buddhist

missions to convert other nations, helping the

religion spread.

The Silk Road played the largest part in the diffusion of Buddhism.

Confucianism• Founded by Kongfuzi

(551-479 B.C.)– (anglicized as Confucius)

• Confucius was an important Chinese philosopher.

• stressed the importance of order to achieve harmony.

Confucianism● believed that if people

knew and did what they should do, then harmony would occur

● Believed humans were innately good and that if treated with respect would obey righteous leaders

Confucianism● Belief system included:

○ traditions of respect for elders and the Mandate of Heaven held the key to social order

○ the family served as a model for society as a whole■ The eldest male of the family held a moral

obligation to lead and care for his household● each member of the family was obliged to

obey.

Social Classes in Chinese Society● Older generations

were highly respected.

● Merchants were not seen as working for the good of society

● Lived in strict social groups● people were expected to behave according to their social

position

Patriarchal Family• Family members were not equals• Top – oldest male (father), followed by males in

chronological order, then female• Women's’ role in society was to produce a male heir• Role of the Father

– Determined education, career and marriages for his children

– Controlled finances– Rewarded or punished as he saw fit

D.

Explain how geography contributed to the movement of people and ideas,

include: Silk Roads and Indian Ocean Trade.

Silk Roads● Central Asia was home to many

nomadic societies○ relied on farming/grazing

● made these societies experts on the use of pack animals

● “transport technologies” combined with the trade in silk, cotton cloth, horses, spices, perfumes and slaves led to the rise of the Silk Road

● Spread Chinese inventions

Silk Roads● functioned primarily as a relay

system ○ with each merchant only

traveling a portion of the full length of the road

● individuals rarely traveled the full length of the trade routes, elements of culture and technology did

● There was cultural exchange between China and the West

Silk Roads● examples of this include:

○ Buddhism spread from India to China

○ Christianity spread to the east

○ New crops were introduced to China (alfalfa, grapes)

○ Rome (peaches, apricots)○ Middle East (rice,

sugarcane, and cotton)

Indian Ocean Trade● predictable nature of the

monsoon winds of the Indian Ocean made navigation easier

● led to the rise of a vast network of trade between East Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and China

● New technologies begin to develop to make sailing and trading more efficient

Indian Ocean Trade● seasonal nature of the

monsoon winds forced long stays by sailors in their various ports of call ○ Created temporary

communities all over the trading network where the temporary culture would leave an impact