A glimpse of the Great Wall of China, one of the Wonders of the Ancient World
Courtesy Corel Professional Photos
Summary
Cultures formed in many of China's river valleys. Chinese civilization developed much on its own, with the Gobi Desert and the Himalaya Mountains isolating it from much of the ancient world. As the Chinese would discover, those boundaries were not enough to keep out nomads and invaders. They constructed the Great Wall of China as an additional barrier.
Internet Activities
Click on Internet Activities at the left for help in completing the Take It to the Net activity on page 149 of your textbook. In this activity, you will read excerpts from ancient Chinese teachings.
Section 1: The Geography of China's River Valleys
China's major civilization began along the Huang He, the second-longest river in the region. The floods of this river brought rich soil to the surrounding land, ideal for farming. However, the river's unpredictable flooding could also bring great destruction.
Section 2: Confucius and His Teachings
Confucius was the most famous and important of the early Chinese thinkers. His teachings were gathered together by his students into a philosophy that became known as Confucianism. Over time, Confucianism came to guide many aspects of Chinese life.
Section 3: Strong Rulers Unite Warring Kingdoms
Shi Huangdi united China and became the "First Emperor" of the Chinese empire. This empire extended over most of the land that makes up modern-day China. During his rule he built roads as well as the Great Wall of China in order to defend the people and the empire.
Section 4: Achievements of Ancient China
Travel along the Silk Road brought new types of food and textiles as well as new ideas including Buddhism. Arts and scholarship flourished. The Chinese also developed iron tools and a system for making paper.