From the River to the Dynasties
The Chinese civilisation grew from the early Huang He (Yellow River) civilisation in northern China. Over time it was ruled by a long line of dynasties, each a family of rulers who held power for many years. Among the important early dynasties were the Shang, the Zhou, the Qin and the Han. Each dynasty added new ideas, laws and inventions.
Government of the Emperor
China was ruled by an emperor, who was seen as the highest authority in the land. The emperor was helped by a large body of trained officials who governed the provinces, collected taxes and kept records. Under the Qin dynasty, China was united into one empire for the first time, and weights, measures and writing were made the same across the land. The Han dynasty then brought a long period of peace, trade and learning.
Key idea
Chinese civilisation was ruled by a series of dynasties (families of rulers) led by an emperor. The Qin dynasty first united China; the Han dynasty brought lasting peace and trade.
Great Achievements
The Chinese made many contributions that shaped the world. They invented paper, and later printing, the compass and gunpowder. They developed a writing system of characters still used today. They produced beautiful silk, which was traded far away along a route later known as the Silk Road. To defend the empire, they built the Great Wall. Thinkers such as Confucius taught about good behaviour, respect and how to live in an ordered society.
Remember
- Chinese civilisation grew from the Huang He (Yellow River).
- It was ruled by dynasties and an emperor; the Qin first united China.
- Chinese inventions include paper, the compass and gunpowder; Confucius taught about good conduct.