Weekly Task no.
Report on civilization: Ancient China
Content
A. Overview
1. Origin:
Early Civilizations: Early civilizations were characterized by the presence
of city-states, a system of writing, and a ceremonial center where public
debates and decision-making were conducted. However, it must be
noted that not all societies during this period could be considered as
civilizations as not all possessed a political system that could be equated
to a state. A state is a political entity that has four requisite elements:
territory, sovereignty, people, and government. (Alejandria-Gonzalez,
2019; Sociology Twynham,2014)
The civilization of ancient china is said to begin along the Yellow
River(National Geographic, 2023), where people first started farming
and building villages. Over time, these villages grew into kingdoms.
Important early dynasties were the Xia, Shang, and Zhou. These
dynasties laid the foundation for Chinese culture and government.
-Unification Under Qin: The biggest change came with the Qin Dynasty.
Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor, united all the warring kingdoms into
one empire. He created a strong central government, standardized
writing, and started building the Great Wall of China.
-Han Dynasty Golden Age: The Han Dynasty followed, a time of peace
and prosperity. They expanded the empire, improved trade, and
developed important technologies like papermaking.
2. Timeline:
3. Known for:
Great Wall of China: A massive wall built to protect the empire from
invaders.
Silk Road: A trade route connecting China to Europe and Asia.
Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism: Important philosophies that
shaped Chinese society.
Inventions: Compass, gunpowder, papermaking, and printing.
B. Systems and Structures
1. Political system and structure
China's ruler's are based on "Divine right theory"
Rulers ascended to power convinced that their right to rule is based on
their filial relationship with supernatural forces and entities. The concept
of the god-king that was upheld so the eople were made subjects to
these monarchs, as the latter were perceived by the former as direct
descendants or representatives of their gods.(Alejandria-Gonzalez,
2019)
2. Type of society
Ancient China had a strong central government ruled by an emperor.
The emperor was seen as the "Son of Heaven" with absolute power. The
government was divided into different levels, with officials managing
different parts of the empire.
People were divided into different social classes, with the emperor at the
top and farmers at the bottom. Education was highly valued, and
scholars(only males) had important roles in government.
3. Social life
Anciwnt china is a agrarian society, or agricultural society, which means
any community whose economy is based on producing and maintaining
crops and farmland. Chinese society was misogynistic society where
respect was based on family and respect for elders (Zhang, 2022).
People were divided into different social classes, with the emperor at the
top and farmers at the bottom. Education was highly valued, and
scholars(only males) had important roles in government.
4. People and institutions
China's ruler's are based on "Divine right theory"
Rulers ascended to power convinced that their right to rule is based on
their filial relationship with supernatural forces and entities. The concept
of the god-king that was upheld so the eople were made subjects to
these monarchs, as the latter were perceived by the former as direct
descendants or representatives of their gods.(Alejandria-Gonzalez,
2019)
Ancient China had a strong central government ruled by an emperor.
The emperor was seen as the "Son of Heaven" with absolute power. The
government was divided into different levels, with officials managing
different parts of the empire.
People were divided into different social classes, with the emperor at the
top and farmers at the bottom. Education was highly valued, and
scholars(only males) had important roles in government.
-The Emperor is the Heart of the Government
Mandate of Heaven: The emperor was considered the "Son of Heaven,"
chosen by the gods to rule.
Absolute Power: The emperor had the final say in everything. He made
laws, decided on wars, and controlled the government.
Bureaucracy: To help him rule, the emperor had a group of smart people
called bureaucrats. They were like helpers who managed different parts
of the country.
-The Bureaucracy: The Emperor's Helpers
Confucianism: Many bureaucrats followed the teachings of Confucius,
which emphasized good behavior, respect for elders, and education.
Exams: To become a bureaucrat, you had to pass very difficult exams to
show how smart you were.
Different Jobs: Bureaucrats worked in many areas, like collecting taxes,
building roads, and keeping peace.
Dynasties: Ruling Families
Ancient China was ruled by different families, called dynasties
-Women in ancient and imperial China were restricted from participating
in various realms of social life, through social stipulations that they
remain indoors, whilst outside business should be conducted by men.
One of the most popular traditions in China is foot binding among
women which ensures their potential for good marriage. These women
are subjected to decades of physical alteration that involves the
restructuring of their feet to achieve “lotus feet,” which has the ideal
length of about 7.5 centimeters (3 inches). The process begins at
childhood when young females' feet are bound and broken so as to
hamper further [Link] disfigurement renders women who
underwent the procedure crippled and unable to participate in many
social events of their communities.(Alejandria-Gonzalez, 2019)
C. Contributions
1. Discoveries, Inventions and innovations
The UNESCO (2010) defined cultural heritage as:
"Cultural heritage is not limited to material manifestations, such as
monuments and objects that have been preserved over time. This notion
also encompasses living expressions and the traditions that countless
groups and communities worldwide have inherited from their ancestors
and transmit to their descendants, in most cases, orally."
This civilization gives us with a two-part of cultural heritage: Tangible
and intangible.
The heritage being tangible in the form of structures, monuments,
historical sites, and other artifacts. Which could be divided into two
categories: movable (sculpting, pottery, jade carving and other
inventions like paper and gunpowder) and immovable(statues,
monuments, and architecture). The heritage being intangible in the form
of literature, oral traditions, concepts, and values. Like for example:
Chinese writing system is still used today
Philosophy and Religion: Confucianism and Taoism continue to shape
Chinese culture and have influenced other parts of the world.
Government and Law: The idea of a strong central government and a
system of laws has influenced many countries.
2. Modern Day relevance
strong central government
Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism: Important philosophies that
shaped Chinese society.
Inventions: Compass, gunpowder, papermaking, and printing.
Reference:
ALEJANDRIA-GONZALEZ (2019). DIWA Senior High School Series:
Understanding Culture, Society, and Politics (Second Edition) e-Module. DIWA
LEARNING SYSTEMS INC.
“Sociology at Twynham.” Defining State.
([Link] accessed on 7
June 2014).
UNESCO (2010). What is Intangible heritage. [Link]
is-intangible-heritage-00003
National Geographic (2023). Huang He Valley.
[Link]
#:~:text=Huang%20He%20Valley%20(or%20in,of%20years%20of
%20Chinese%20history.
Zhang (2022).Between my childhood and me: the tale of a women left
behind by China’s “economic miracle”. The Michigan Daily.
[Link]
