Civilizations of Ancient China and East Asia

The main major theme of module three is the development in China and East Asia. The chapters cover the social, philosophical, cultural, governmental and religious aspects. The chapters offer an insight of how China and Eastern Asian cultures had developed. It also elaborates on the dynasties that had ruled during this era.

China was isolated from West and South Asia because of the demographics of the land. The writing system was not influenced by other cultures. They had created a logographic system of writing. Every word had its own symbol. This writing system was not only a major part of Chinese literature but also played a large part in the political process. The Shang Dynasty was the first to have writing, cities, chariots, and metal work. The Shang kings were also High priests. The Shang Dynasty was over thrown by the Zhou Dynasty. When the Zhou Dynasty ruled, they had created a multistate system of government. Because of warfare the culture changed dramatically. Philosophies such as Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism were introduced, and developed. Because of the demographic structure of the land the main crops in northern China was wheat and millet. While in southern China rice was a prime crop because it was warmer and wetter. Inner Asian regions were used to raise livestock. In the Neolithic age decorated pottery emerged in the southwest, and less decorated pottery along with jade ornaments and other ritual objects formed in the east. Shang kings ruled in large settlements such as Anyang, where kings ruled for more than two centuries. The Shang kings were also military chieftains. People captured in times of war were made into slaves or human sacrifices. Bronze was an important metal during this time.

The Zhou ...

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...her in laws. The easiest way to do this was to have a son. Foot binding also started during the Song Dynasty.

Japan had adapted many practices from the Chinese. They had adapted an Aristocratic culture. “The rise of warrior elite finally brought an end to the domination of the Fujiwaras and other Heian aristocratic families” (341). The Samurai became a new social class, who were expected to live by the Bushido. During the time of Kamakura Zen practices flourished. Buddhism was important to the Japanese culture. (Mckay, Hill, Buckler, Ebrey, Beck, Crowston, Wiesner-Hanks, 53-71,133-157,327-345)

In many ways the Chinese culture has developed. The social standings and religious beliefs are still viewed today. They still have a strong governmental stance, even though it has changed in many ways since the first ruler.

Works Cited

History of World Societies