The civilisation of Ancient China dates back thousands of years. Over this long period of time much of China was ruled by different dynasties.
A dynasty is when one family rules a country or region over a long period of time. Generally, the head of the family will be the ruler of the land, like an emperor or king. When that ruler dies, another member of the family will take power, usually the oldest son. When a new family takes control, then a new dynasty begins.
The Mandate of Heaven is what the Chinese people believed gave their rulers the right to be king or emperor. It meant that the gods had blessed that person with the right to rule. A ruler had to be a good and just ruler to keep the Mandate of Heaven. When a ruler or dynasty lost power, this meant that they must also have lost the Mandate of Heaven.
Nelson, Ken. (2016).
Rating: E Duration: 25:53
Description: China is one of the world's oldest continuing civilisations, and archaeologists are still fascinated by it today. Starting with the incredible discovery of an enormous army of clay soldiers in Emperor Q'in's tomb, students will discover how archaeologists have pieced together this magnificent find to learn about life in Q'in's time. This program introduces the first four Chinese dynasties, beginning with the Han Dynasty, founded in 206 B.C., and continues back in time through the Q'in, Chou (Zhou) and earliest Shang dynasties. The building of the Great Wall and the development of writing, silk and bronze are also covered.
Rating: E Production Year: 2015 Duration: 11:43
Description: The Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1912) was China's last imperial dynasty and a time of great change. This program looks at the political and social structures under Manchu rule and the reasons for China's strong economic growth and later decline during this period. Family life, the role of women and the importance of art and culture are also explored.
The Xia Dynasty was the first Chinese Dynasty. The Xia ruled from around 2070 BC to 1600 BC when the Shang Dynasty took control.
Nelson, Ken. (2016).
The Shang Dynasty was the first Chinese dynasty with written records. The Shang ruled from around 1600 BC to 1046 BC. Some historians consider the Shang to be the first Chinese Dynasty. Other historians consider it to be the second dynasty, coming after the legendary Xia Dynasty.
The Shang tribe grew into power around 1600 BC. Legend has it that the Shang were united under the leadership of Cheng Tang. Cheng Tang defeated the evil King Jie of the Xia to begin the Shang Dynasty. The Shang ruled an area around the Yellow River Valley for around 500 years. They had many rulers and capital cities during that time. The government became corrupt under the rule of King Di Xin. He was overthrown by Wu of Zhou and the Zhou Dynasty was founded.
Nelson, Ken. (2016).
The Zhou Dynasty ruled Ancient China from 1045 BC to 256 BC. It was the longest ruling dynasty in the history of China.
The land of Zhou was a vassal state of the Shang Dynasty. A powerful leader of the Zhou named Wen Wang began to plan to overthrow the Shang Dynasty. It took many years, but finally Wen Wang's son, Wu Wang, led an army across the Yellow River to defeat the King of the Shang Dynasty. King Wu established a new dynasty, the Zhou Dynasty.
Nelson, Ken. (2016).
The Qin Dynasty only lasted for 15 years. Yet it is one of the most famous dynasties in ancient Chinese history. Emperor Qin ran his dynasty with absolute control. Punishment for those who disagreed with him was swift and harsh. You could be put to death simply by suggesting another way to do things. There was only Qin's way.
Donn, n.d.
The Han Dynasty was one of the great dynasties of Ancient China. Much of Chinese culture was established during the Han dynasty and it is sometimes called the Golden Age of Ancient China. It was an era of peace and prosperity and allowed China to expand to a major world power.
The Han Dynasty ran for over 400 years, from 206 BC to 220 AD. It was the second Imperial dynasty after the Qin Dynasty. It was followed by the Three Kingdoms period.
Nelson, Ken. (2016).
