What is a Dynasty?
A dynasty is when one family rules a country or region over a long period of time. Generally, the head of the family will be the ruler of the land, like an emperor or king. When that ruler dies, another member of the family will take power, usually the eldest son. When a new family takes control, then a new dynasty begins.
A dynasty is when one family rules a country or region over a long period of time. Generally, the head of the family will be the ruler of the land, like an emperor or king. When that ruler dies, another member of the family will take power, usually the eldest son. When a new family takes control, then a new dynasty begins.
Xia Dynasty
The establishment of the Xia Dynasty was an important stepping stone in the history of Chinese civilization. It was the first dynasty in traditional Chinese history. The fall of the Xia Dynasty was blamed on its last emperor, Jie who is said to have fallen in love with an evil spirit and became a troll. The people rose up in rebellion under the leadership of the Shang Dynasty.
This picture displays a mud brick house that was found in the 1960's by archaeologists.The yellow mud supposes that the people of the Xia Dynasty used the Yellow River valley as a food and water source. The existence of this mud house proves to archaeologists and historians that the Xia Dynasty did exist as many thought it was just a myth.
Qin Dynasty
Although the Qin Dynasty only survived 15 years, the dynasty held an important role of influencing the following dynasties. Throughout this dynasty, many changes were made to unify China. Only two emperors: Qin Shi Huang and his son Hu Hai ruled the state, which was finally overthrown by the people's uprising.
This source displays the area of which the Qin Dynasty evolved in 221 BC. It came to power after conquering the surrounding states. The Qin Dynasty was located around both of China's major rivers - the Huang He and the Chang Jiang. The dynasty went almost as far north as the Gobi desert. Eventually, it went as far south as the Xi River. This source helps historians understand where this unique dynasty was located and what materials they could of used to survive by being so close to major rivers.
Zhou Dynasty
The Zhou Dynasty was the longest ruling dynasty in the history of China ruling for over 800 years. The first important historical figure of the Zhou Dynasty was Emperor Wen (1152-1056 BC) who is described as a living standard of generosity and wisdom. His son, Emperor Wu led an army of 50,000 troops against a Shang army of 700,00 in a battle known as the Battle of Muye. The Shang people were so unhappy under the ruler of Emperor Shang that the Shang soldiers joined King Wu's army. Emperor Shang retreated to his palace and committed suicide by locking himself up in a building and setting it on fire.
The visual arts of the Zhou Dynasty reflects the diversity of the states of which they eventually broke up. The arts of the early Zhou Dynasty were essential to the continuation of the other dynasties. This source allows historians to research the true works of bronze with accelerated decoration of the variety of shapes and the craftsmanship of casting. It was not until the Dong Zhou and the classical age of Confucius and Laozi that unique local traditions became apparent. The range of applied decoration included pictorial subjects. For example, hunting scenes, chariots and horsemen.