6. • China was known as “Chung-kuo” (Central
Kingdom), and this term reflects the Chinese
opinion of the world.
• The Chinese saw their country as the center
of the world. The most advanced civilization.
•Thus, the Chinese turns their backs to the
West and faces East, geographically
culturally and politically.
18. Oracle bone; Divination was practiced by
heating tortoise shells till they cracked,
then studying the cracks. The prediction
was written on the shell.
30. • The religious authority of the king. It was
believed that rulers received their authority
from the gods. It was called “The
Mandate of Heaven.” As dynasties
weakened and new leaders arose, the
Chinese believed that the gods were
removing their mandate and giving it to
another.
31. The Shang Economy;
•Built irrigation canals for crops
•Cowry shells were used as money.
•Long distance trade for copper, tin,
lead, and salt
•Farming was based on peasant/serf
labor.
33. IV. Chou (Zhou) Dynasty
1100s-200s BCE
• This was a time of Feudalism (Decentralized)
government with competing warlords.
• There were few great accomplishments in science,
art and literature, but China excelled in philosophy as
great Sages (wise men) tried to bring about Unity,
Peace & Prosperity.