- Ancient Chinese civilizations first developed along major rivers like the Yellow River and Yangtze River, which deposited rich soil for agriculture. The Shang Dynasty ruled from around 1600 BC to 1100 BC and was the first Chinese dynasty to be confirmed by historical records. Religion influenced Shang culture through rituals for ancestors, oracle bones connected to early writing, and bronzework. The Zhou Dynasty overthrew the Shang around 1100 BC and introduced new concepts like the Mandate of Heaven to justify dynastic changes. Population and agriculture grew under the Zhou while new philosophies like Confucianism and Daoism emerged during the later Zhou period.

1. Ancient China

3. Chinese Physical Geography

6. China’s Physical Geography

7. Focus Question: What elements of geographic luck influenced life in early China? Answer(s): Rivers deposited rich soil for farming; mountains, hills, and desert isolated the area.

10. Shang Dynasty Map

14. Shang Dynasty Art

15. Shang Dynasty Architecture Timber House Ruins of Shang Dynasty City Temple to Heavens

16. Summarize How did religion influence other aspects of Shang culture? Answer: ritual meals for ancestors; oracle bones connected to early writing; bronze work for rituals; built stable tombs

21. Analyze How did China change under the Zhou? Answer(s): iron technology, population grew, new farm techniques, more food, cities grew, roads and canals built, coins and chopsticks introduced

27. Contrast What is one difference between Confucianism and Daoism? Answer(s): Daoism—retreat from society and commune with nature; Confucianism—improve society

30. Video The Impact of Hinduism as a World Religion Click above to play the video.