WOH 2012 Chapter Notes - Chapter 6: Zhongyuan, Shang Dynasty, Indus River
Document Summary
Earliest china: the shang dynasty (1700 1100 b. c. e) China was the most isolated ancient civilization (even more isolated than egypt). Heartland was divided between the dry yellow river plain and the western steppe lands and the watered southern valleys. Yangzi river was much tamer than the yellow river. It runs farther south, through a warmer and wetter landscape. Similar to mesopotamia and indus river valley the yellow river"s floods were very damaging so levees were erected to control the floodwater. Political unification was achieved through the common goal of having to control the flood and have vast construction projects. Chinese religion consisted of clan ancestors and nature spirits. Shang dynasty: the dynasty that came after the xia. Rise of the shang is because of: bronze casting, writing. Shang society was strictly hierarchical: at the top: king & warrior court. War was a commonplace and warriors were favored either way.
