The Huang He Valley

History

An organizational structure with the task of implementing the decisions and policies of its governing body

Bureaucracy

An organizational structure with the task of implementing the decisions and policies of its governing body. Bureaucracy. Bureaucracy is a system of managing government or large organizations that uses hierarchical levels of authority and set procedures.

A system of thought and behavior originating in ancient China

Confucianism

A system of thought and behavior originating in ancient China. Confucianism. Confucianism is a philosophy that emphasizes moral values, social harmony, and respect for hierarchy based on the teachings of Confucius.

A Chinese philosopher who emphasized morality, justice, kindness and sincerity

Confucius

A Chinese philosopher who emphasized morality, justice, kindness, and sincerity. Confucius. Confucius was an influential ancient philosopher whose teachings shaped Chinese culture and values.

A member of the Zhou dynasty who played a major role in consolidating the kingdom

Duke of Zhou

A member of the Zhou dynasty who played a major role in consolidating the kingdom, Duke of Zhou. The Duke of Zhou was an important political leader in ancient China who helped establish the legitimacy and stability of the Zhou dynasty.

A sequence of rulers from the same family

Dynasty

A sequence of rulers from the same family. Dynasty. A dynasty is a series of rulers from the same family line who govern a country or region over generations.

The sovereign ruler of an empire

Emperor

The sovereign ruler of an empire. Emperor. An emperor is a powerful leader who rules over multiple territories or nations.

A widespread scarcity of food due to war, inflation, crop failure etc.

Famine

A widespread scarcity of food due to war, inflation, crop failure, etc., is famine. In history, famine refers to periods when large populations suffered from extreme food shortages, leading to hunger and death.

Wife of King Wu Ding, who served as a military general and high priestess

Fu Hao

Wife of King Wu Ding, who served as a military general and high priestess. Fu Hao. Fu Hao was a prominent figure in ancient China, known for her exceptional roles as both a military leader and religious figure during the Shang Dynasty.

A deep cleft resulting from weathering and the erosive activity of rivers

Gorge

A deep cleft resulting from weathering and the erosive activity of rivers. Gorge. In history, a gorge was often a strategic defensive position due to its steep and impassable terrain.

The highest rank of educational establishment in Ancient China

Grand School

The highest rank of educational establishment in Ancient China Grand School. The Grand School was the most prestigious institution where future government officials were educated.

The Hegemon-King of Western Chu who rebelled against the Qin dynasty

Hsiang Yu

The Hegemon-King of Western Chu who rebelled against the Qin dynasty. Hsiang Yu. Hsiang Yu was a Chinese warlord known for his role in overthrowing the Qin dynasty and briefly becoming a major power during the Chu-Han Contention.

A Chinese philosopher and founder of Taoism

Laozi

A Chinese philosopher and founder of Taoism. Laozi. Laozi is an ancient figure who introduced the spiritual philosophy of Taoism, emphasizing simplicity, humility, and harmony with nature.

A philosophy that people are bad by nature and need to be controlled by the government

Legalism

a philosophy that people are bad by nature and need to be controlled by the government. legalism. Legalism is an ancient Chinese philosophy emphasizing strict laws and harsh punishments to maintain order in society.

The founder and first emperor of the Han dynasty

Liu Pang

The founder and first emperor of the Han dynasty, Liu Pang. Liu Pang, also known as Liu Bang, established the Han dynasty, which became one of China's longest-lasting and most influential dynasties.

Loess explained in an easy to understand way.

Loess

Wind-blown deposits of fine sediment. Loess. Loess is fertile soil, rich in minerals, often found in areas like China, which helped ancient civilizations thrive.

Chinese political and religious doctrine used to justify the rule of the emperor of China

Mandate of Heaven

Chinese political and religious doctrine used to justify the rule of the emperor of China. Mandate of Heaven. It is the ancient belief that heaven granted emperors the right to rule based on their ability to govern well and fairly.

Pieces of ox scapula or turtle plastron, which were used for pyromancy in ancient China

Oracle bone

Pieces of ox scapula or turtle plastron, which were used for pyromancy in ancient China. oracle bone. Oracle bones are ancient Chinese artifacts used by diviners to predict the future by interpreting cracks made by heating them.

An administrative division within a country or state

Province

An administrative division within a country or state. Province. In history, a province is a region governed as part of a larger empire or country, like the provinces of the Roman Empire.

The founder of the Qin dynasty and was the first emperor of a unified China

Shi Huangdi

The founder of the Qin dynasty and was the first emperor of a unified China. Shi Huangdi. Shi Huangdi was the first emperor who united China under one rule.

An ecoregion characterized by grassland plains without trees

Steppe

An ecoregion characterized by grassland plains without trees. Steppe. Historically, steppes were home to nomadic groups like the Mongols who used them for their vast horse-based cultures.

A type of belief of Chinese origin which emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao

Taoism

A type of belief of Chinese origin which emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao. Taoism. Taoism is an ancient Chinese philosophy and religion that focuses on living in harmony with the natural order of the universe.

A Han dynasty official who seized the Chinese imperial throne from the Liu family

Wang Mang

A Han dynasty official who seized the Chinese imperial throne from the Liu family. Wang Mang. Wang Mang was a Chinese ruler who tried to implement significant reforms but ultimately failed, leading to his downfall.

An era in ancient Chinese history characterized by warfare, reforms and consolidation

Warring States Period

An era in ancient Chinese history characterized by warfare, reforms and consolidation. Warring States Period. It was a time when different regions in China fought for power before the country was unified under the Qin dynasty.

The seventh emperor of the Han dynasty of China

Wudi

The seventh emperor of the Han dynasty of China Wudi. He was a powerful ruler who expanded China's territory and strengthened its central government.

The first king of the Zhou dynasty of ancient China

Wuwang

The first king of the Zhou dynasty of ancient China. Wuwang. Wuwang was the founder who overthrew the Shang dynasty and established the Zhou dynasty around 1046 BC.