China’s Empires Dictionary List
ARTIFACTS
Pronunciation (ahr-tuh-fakts)
Part of Speech noun
Definition man-made objects or fragments of
objects having some kind of use or cultural
significance
The artifacts at this excavation consisted
mainly of flints and stone tools.
Word Used in Kids Discover
While there is little evidence of Shang
buildings, there are many bronze artifacts
from the period. (p. 2)
BUREAUCRACY
Pronunciation (byoo-rok-ruh-see)
Part of Speech noun
Definition a system of management or
administration of an organization by appointed
officials, characterized by rigid rules and levels
of authority
Modern government is usually run by a large
bureaucracy within itself.
Word Used in Kids Discover
To make the government run smoothly, he
established a bureaucracy, or network of
appointed officials. (p. 6)
CALLIGRAPHY
Pronunciation (kuh-lig-ruh-fee)
Part of Speech noun
Definition stylized or decorative writing as a
work of art, often produced with a brush
The subject of modern calligraphy includes
many different styles of handwritten lettering.
Word Used in Kids Discover
Ming artists produced masterpieces of
calligraphy, the Chinese art of handwriting.
(p. 15)
DYNASTY
Pronunciation (dahy-nuh-stee)
Part of Speech noun
Definition generations of rulers of the same
family or their rule
The Zhou dynasty had the longest rule in
China’s history.
Word Used in Kids Discover
A dynasty is a series of rulers from the same
family. (p. 2)
© KIDS DISCOVER
FEUDALISM
Pronunciation (fyood-l-iz-uhm)
Part of Speech noun
Definition the type of relationship between a
ruler and a noble where the noble served the
ruler and received land in return
The legend of Mulan is a poem in which
the social structure is based in a large part
on feudalism.
Word Used in Kids Discover
These three classes were connected in a
political system in which land or the use of
land and protection were granted in
exchange for loyalty and goods and
services, including military services. This
system is called feudalism. (p. 4)
FILIAL PIETY
Pronunciation (fil-ee-uhl pahy-i-tee)
Part of Speech noun
Definition primary Confucian virtue and duty
of respect, obedience, and care for family
elders
Confucian philosophy tells people to have
the attitude of filial piety toward their king.
Word Used in Kids Discover
In ancient Chinese tradition, children were
taught to respect and honor their parents.
This attitude is called filial piety. (p. 5)
KHANATES
Pronunciation (kah-neyts)
Part of Speech noun
Definition sections or states of the Mongol
Empire
The Mongol Empire under Kublai Khan had
four khanates, with the capital at
Khanbalik, now Beijing.
Word Used in Kids Discover
The Mongol Empire was divided into
sections called khanates. (p. 12)
LEGALISM
Pronunciation (lee-guh-liz-uhm)
Part of Speech noun
Definition Chinese political theory of an
absolute monarchy where strict legal control
was maintained over all activities
Legalism meted out rewards to people
who obeyed but also harsh punishments to
those who did not obey.
Word Used in Kids Discover
Legalism taught that people obey rulers
out of fear, not out of respect, as Confucius
had taught. (p. 6)
CHINA’S EMPIRES 7