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Medieval China

The document outlines the key developments during the Song, Yuan, and Ming Dynasties in medieval China, highlighting technological innovations, economic prosperity, and cultural achievements. The Song Dynasty (960–1279) was marked by advancements like movable type printing and the introduction of paper money, while the Yuan Dynasty (1279–1368) connected China to global trade under Mongol rule. The Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) restored traditional culture, expanded maritime trade, and saw significant achievements in literature and architecture.

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Justin Smith
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Topics covered

  • Cultural Flourishing,
  • Global Trade,
  • Historical Context,
  • Cultural Integration,
  • Historical Geography,
  • Rebellions,
  • Peasant Rebellion,
  • Paper Money,
  • Zheng He,
  • Economic Systems
68 views19 pages

Medieval China

The document outlines the key developments during the Song, Yuan, and Ming Dynasties in medieval China, highlighting technological innovations, economic prosperity, and cultural achievements. The Song Dynasty (960–1279) was marked by advancements like movable type printing and the introduction of paper money, while the Yuan Dynasty (1279–1368) connected China to global trade under Mongol rule. The Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) restored traditional culture, expanded maritime trade, and saw significant achievements in literature and architecture.

Uploaded by

Justin Smith
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Topics covered

  • Cultural Flourishing,
  • Global Trade,
  • Historical Context,
  • Cultural Integration,
  • Historical Geography,
  • Rebellions,
  • Peasant Rebellion,
  • Paper Money,
  • Zheng He,
  • Economic Systems

Medieval

China
Timeline

Song Dynasty (960–1279): was a time of technological and


economic innovation.
Yuan Dynasty (1279–1368): connected China to the wider world
under Mongol rule.
Ming Dynasty (1368–1644): restored Chinese culture and
expanded maritime trade.
What makes a civilization “innovative”?
● The Song Dynasty was a time of technological advancement,
economic prosperity, and cultural flourishing.
● Divided into the Northern Song (960–1127) and Southern Song
(1127–1279).
● Despite being smaller than earlier dynasties, the Song focused on
strengthening commerce and society.

Example: The Song capital, Kaifeng, had a population of over 1


million, one of the largest cities in the world.
➢ Printing: The Song developed movable type printing,
allowing books to be mass-produced.
➢ Gunpowder: Initially used for fireworks, it was adapted into
bombs and grenades, transforming warfare.
➢ Magnetic Compass: The Song perfected the compass,
enabling advanced navigation and boosting maritime trade.
● The Song introduced paper money, the world’s first fiat
currency, which revolutionized trade.
● Major trading cities like Quanzhou became hubs for goods
such as silk, porcelain, and tea.
● The Song economy accounted for nearly 25% of the world’s
money.
➢ Founded by Kublai Khan,
the Yuan Dynasty was the
first time China was ruled
by a foreign power.
➢ Kublai established his
capital in Beijing,
renaming it Dadu (the
Great Capital).
➢
➢ The Yuan encouraged trade along the Silk Road, connecting
China with Europe and the Middle East.
➢ Marco Polo visited Kublai Khan’s court, bringing tales of
Chinese wealth and innovation to Europe.
➢ Goods like silk, porcelain, and gunpowder traveled west,
while glassware and carpets came from the Middle East.
➢ Postal System: The Mongols established a relay system (similar to
modern postal networks) for efficient communication.
➢ Engineering: They improved China’s Grand Canal, enhancing
transportation and trade.
➢ Cultural Diversity: The Yuan Empire welcomed artisans,
scientists, and scholars from across the Mongol Empire.

Fun Fact: Kublai Khan’s court included Persian astronomers and Italian
merchants, making it one of the most multicultural courts in history.

➢
Heavy taxation and corruption
led to widespread
dissatisfaction among the
Chinese population.
The Yuan faced rebellions,
including the rise of the Red
Turban Army, which eventually
overthrew them in 1368.
➢ The Ming Dynasty marked a return to traditional Chinese
culture and governance after Mongol rule.
➢ The emperors focused on rebuilding infrastructure,
strengthening the economy, and fostering the arts.
➢ The first Ming emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang, was a peasant who
led the rebellion against the Yuan.
● Admiral Zheng He led seven naval expeditions between 1405 and
1433, exploring Southeast Asia, India, and East Africa.
● His treasure ships were over 400 feet long, dwarfing European
ships of the same period.
● His fleet included over 300 ships and 28,000 sailors.
● Zheng He brought back exotic goods like giraffes and zebras,
sparking curiosity at the Chinese court.
➢ Porcelain: Ming
blue-and-white ceramics
became a global symbol of
luxury.
➢ Architecture: The Ming built
the Forbidden City, a vast
palace complex in Beijing.
➢ Literature: Classical novels like Journey to the West were written
during this period.
➢ The Ming repaired and expanded the Great Wall of China to
protect against northern invasions.
➢ The wall stretched over 13,000 miles, becoming a symbol of
Chinese resilience.

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