ANCIENT CHINA

YEAR 9 ELECTIVE

LESSON RECAP!
What
was the
What is
role of
a
the
dynast
emperor
y?
What was
?
the
mandate
of
heaven?

Intro to each dynasty

Xia Dynasty
The Xia family would

have ruled China from

around 2100 B.C. until
around 1800 B.C. They
are believed to have
been Aryans, who
migrated into the area,
and who were able to
conquer the local
peoples using theirMythic
superior weaponry and
al
Dynast
technology.
y?

The Shang Dynasty

Like the Xia Dynasty, the

Shang Dynasty was once

thought to be only a myth
or legend. It is now
considered by all historians
as a true dynasty. Because
many historians do not
consider the Xia Dynasty a
true dynasty, the Shang
Dynasty is often called the
first true Chinese dynasty.
There were multiple kings
and territories which ruled
at this time.
Invente
d
writing!

The Zhou Dynasty

The Zhou family was

able to defeat and

overthrow the last
Shang Dynasty king in
1028 B.C. They
claimed that the Shang
Dynasty had lost the
mandate of heaven
due to their poor
governing. The Zhou
Dynasty would become
the longest lasting
dynasty in Chinese
history, lasting over

Boosted
Econom
y!

The Qin Dynasty

By 221 B.C. a man by the name of

Qin had overthrown all remaining

members of the Zhou Dynasty,
and all other opposition, allowing
him to place himself as the ruler of
China. This dynasty was short lived
however, did change the power
structure back in to the hands of
the emperor and away from the
nobles who had gained control.
Organised
the
terracotta
warriors to
protect his
tomb

Started
the Great
Wall of
China

The Han Dynasty

In the year 207 B.C. a new

dynasty began to rule China.

This dynasty was led by a
peasant whose name was Liu
Bang. Liu Bang had grown
tired of the brutal leadership
of the Qin Dynasty. Many
other people also were tired of
the Qin. Liu Bang proclaimed
that the Qin had lost the
mandate of heaven, or the
right to rule the nation. He
was able to overthrow them,
and establish himself as the Developed the
Silk Road and
new emperor of China
emphasised trade
with external
nations

Food
reserves!

Start

Group Work!
This activity will allow students time to begin

working in their groups and researching their

assigned dynasty.
This will help students prepare for a class

presentation on their dynasty in week 6.

This will also take the load off the assessment

as most of the background and core

information will be explored and managed in
the classroom.

Investigating Ancient Emperors

1. Who was a significant emperor in your dynasty?
2. How did they come to power?
3. How long was their rule?
4. What did China look like at this time?(Map)
5. What were the emperors objectives? (aims/goals for

China)
6. What were some of the laws, rules or views they had?
7. What were some positive outcomes of this leader?
8. What were some negative outcomes of this leader?
9. What was their legacy? (What did they leave behind?)
10. List the websites/ resources you find in a reference list.