Page 156 - Social Studies 7

Many different dynasties ruled in China. They were Shang, Chous, Chin, Han, Sui,
Ming, etc. in about 1500 years, when it was divided into a number of kingdoms.
The word 'China' comes from Qin or Chin Dynasty. The king of Qin succeeded
over all other 6 kingdoms then took the title of Qin Shi Huangdi which means 'the
first emperor' by 221 B.C. The Qin Shi Huangdi made the great Wall of China to
protect the northern borders of Chinese Empire. It was built in 5 B.C. and rebuilt
th
and maintained in the 16 century. The construction had been continued during
the Ming Dynasty. Its length is twelve thousand li (6000 km). So, the Chinese
people have named the wall as 'Ten thousand li wall.' There are watch towers two
storeys high in every 100 m on the Great Wall which were named after the Kings
of all Qin dynasty. The view of surroundings could be seen from the upper story
of each water tower. These watch towers were built to see the activities of the
enemy. Great Wall of China is the only man-made structure that could be seen
from the moon and enlisted in the UNESCO world Heritage sites.
Tang Dynasty was the most successful dynasty to make China most civilized
nation in the world. It was called the Golden Age of China. The streets of city were
crowded with many foreigners, such as Persians, Arabians, Syrians; Koreans, etc.
China became the most powerful and prosperous country. The economy, culture,
politics and military strength reached a very high level. People knew how to read
and write. They started using metal tools.

The rulers were regarded as the wise sage. Among important the Chinese kings,
King Yao was a virtuous ruler who brought bringing harmony to society, King
Shun, who started regulating four seasons, weight, measure and units of time
King Yu who rescued China from raging floods of the Yellow River.

Society

King had the supremacy of all power. The Chinese believed in supernatural
powers that they cloud talk to the Gods and receive help when needed.
Family used to be very important in Chinese culture. There was patriarchal
society in which father got all the decision making power and management of
family but mother occupied the subordinate position. They were not able to own
property. All the rituals were performed by the males.

Many Chinese people were learned and philosophers. Paper and printing was
developed, people were advanced in science technology, art and architecture. The
Zhan literature was very important.

Economy

The major occupation of the Hwang-Ho valley civilization was agriculture. Silk
Road was made to do trade and business. Cattle rearing was also practiced.
Chinese people used to rear pigs, sheep, chickens, elephants and horses. Chinese

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