194China’s dynasties
China can claim to have the
oldest continuous known
civilization, which has lasted at
least 4,000 years. Since the first
city-states along the Yellow
River, China has expanded (and
at times contracted) under the
control of a succession of ruling
monarchs until 1912. Periods of unity and disunity
have shaped the country’s politics and history.
GREAT WALL OF CHINA
There have been a number of Great Walls
of China built to protect the northern
border from invading neighbors.
Qui Shi Huang (first emperor) instructed
the linking up of already-existing
fortifications to construct a Great Wall.
However, the sections of wall seen today
stretching over 4,000 miles (6,400 km)
were repaired, strengthened, and
expanded during the Ming Dynasty.CHINA in 221 BCE united by
the first emperor Qin Shi Huang.WHO’S WHO?OConfucius (551-479 BCE) Famous
Chinese philosopher whose teachings
have influenced China’s society.
OQin Shi Huang (ruled 221-210 BCE)
Proclaimed himself first emperor of
China after uniting the warring states.
OWu Zhao (ruled 690-705) Only
woman to rule as emperor and probably
murdered many people to rise to power.
OHongwu Emperor (ruled 1368-1398)
Founder of the Ming dynasty after
defeating the Mongols.
OPu Yi (ruled 1908-1912) Last emperor
of China, abdicated aged six years old.221–206 BCE QIN 206 BCE– 220 CE HAN 265–420 JIN
The Silk Road—
an important
trading route—
was established
from China to the
Mediterranean Sea.A short-lived dynasty
during which the
traditional beliefs
of Confucius were
forbidden and his
books burned.Paper and ink
became more
popular and
calligraphers
perfected their
writing style. WATCH TOWERS
were positioned at
intervals along the
wall.DYNASTIES
Much of Chinese history can
be split into time periods of the
dynasties, or royal families. Each
dynasty brought its own changes
to the country.HISTORY AND POLITICS
TIMELINE OF DYNASTIES
Great^ WallThe Yellow
River