Ancient China Glossary Terms Flashcards
Buddhism
A religion or philosophy from India, brought to ancient China in the 1st century that promotes the idea of reaching the state of nirvana, free from hurt or pain
Confucianism
A Chinese philosophy based on the teaching of Confucius, which was a code of behaviour, promoting the ideas of obedience, honouring ancestors and elders, respecting traditions, family relationships and fairness
Daoism
A Chinese philosophy based on the writings of Lao-Tzu that promoted meditation and exercise to create a balance of yin (female) and tang (male) in oneself
Emperor
The title of someone who rules an empire; Ancient Rome and ancient China had emperors
Empire
A group of countries or areas, often with different languages and having different cultures, that are ruled by a central power or leader (known as an emperor or empress)
Hang He River
Also known as The Yellow River, one of the two major river systems in China which supported agriculture and economic development
Legalism
Enforcing strict laws or rules that are limiting on personal freedoms, usually involving severe punishments, as was the case under the rule of Emperor Qin
Mandate of Heaven
A theory in ancient China that those wh were in power were given the right (or blessing) to rule by a devine power
Standardisation
The process of making something common to a standard; as within the Qin dynasty, where weights, measures, currency and language were made common across China
The gong
The third class if ancient Chinese society, consisting of artisans and craftspeople, who were well regarded for the skills
The Great Wall
A defensive stone wall built in China’s north to protect the nation from invasion.
The nong
The second highest class of ancient Chinese society, consisting of farmers, who were highly respected for the work they did to feed the population
The shang
The lowest class of ancient Chinese society, consisting of merchants who were wealthy but considered to be people who did not contribute
The shi
The highest class in ancient Chinese society beneath the imperial family, consisting of nobles and officials
The Silk Road
A trade route stretching west from china to the Mediterranean Sea; it was the main way in which silk was introduced to the west
