China Reunites

After the Han Dynasty fell in 220, for the next 300 years, China fell into disorder. Wars between small kingdoms and poverty were rampant. Mongols attacked the Great Wall and tore parts of it down. Finally in 581, a general named Wendi, or Wen for short, was strong enough to reunite China by force. This would usher in the next three dynasties: Sui, Tang, and Song.

Our area of focus

Background on Dynasties

During the Tang Dynasty, China reached a new height in wealth and power. This was mainly due to a trade boon that brought higher levels of trade then ever before. After centuries of attacks by Mongols and roaming bandits, the Silk Road was once again busy with travelers.

Silk was only one of several items to be traded on the Silk Road during these

dynasties.

Most of the Silk Road travels through rough climates…

Travel companies today offer vacations traveling

the Silk Road on camelback.

Many clothes are made out of silk today, most still come from China

Terms to Know

Dynasty = A ruling family that controls a country for generations

Silk Road = ancient caravan route across Asia, which traders carried silk and other goods to Europe

Growth under the Tang Dynasty

Trade reached new height on Silk Road after years of disorder

Common items traded: Silk, tea, steel,

Why?? Coal = better at

heating then wood Statue of Buddha from the Tang Dynasty

Growth under Song Dynasty Paintings;

landscapes on silk most common

Highly crafted Porcelain = high demand in Europe

New forms of poetry spread; dealt with nature, joy of life

Paper money is used, 1st time

Mongols end it (1279,) start their own dynasty

Land in Red that China controlled during the Song Dynasty

Famous Chinese

Explorers

Explorer #1 Zheng He (1371-1433)

The leader of overseas trade during the Ming Dynasty

Traded silk, paper, and porcelain with Europe, India, Arabia, Africa

1st to spread European and Arabic culture since Marco Polo

This guy would even trade goods for giraffes, elephants and other animals for the Emperor’s zoo.

Voyages of Zheng He (1405-1433)

Explorer #2 – Marco Polo

Most famous to travel the Silk Road

An Italian from Venice, Italy

Importance: Very few Europeans were allowed to travel as freely in China.

Chinese thought most Europeans were barbarians; no trust

Why was this European allowed to travel in China when others couldn’t?

Book Questions pgs. 253-255

1) What actions did the Sui Dynasty take in order to strengthen China’s economy?

2) What caused the fall of the Sui Dynasty?

3) What was the major problem during the Song Dynasty? (960 – 1279) How did they try to solve it?