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The first dynasty in China, very little is known about the Xia.
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The Shang ruled much of the area along the Yellow River. Their last capital city was the great city of Yin.
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The longest ruling dynasty in the dynasty in the history of China, the Zhou first used the Mandate of Heaven to justify their rule. Much of the land was ruled by feudal lords who were relatives of the Zhou family.
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The beginning of the Chinese Empire, Shi Huangdi became the first Chinese Emperor. Although this was a short dynasty much was accomplished including the beginning of the Great Wall; standards were set for weight, measures, and money; many roads and canals were built; and a single type of writing was used throughout the country. All of the advancements would be used in future dynasties to make China strong.
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The Han dynasty established the civil service to create a strong and organized government. Paper and porcelain were also invented during this time. The Han also embraced Confucianism, poetry, and literature.
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A period of time where China was not united under a single leader.
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The Sui united China under one rule. They also expanded the Great Wall and built the Grand Canal.
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A period of peace and prosperity, the Tang rule is sometimes known as the Golden Age of Ancient China. Arts, literature, and technology all flourish. The capital city Chang'an becomes the world's largest city.
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A peasant rebellion takes down the Tang dynasty and ushers in a period of division.
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Reunited under the Song, China becomes a world leader in science and technology including inventions such as gunpowder and the compass.
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After the Mongols defeated the Song in a war, Kublai Khan, a Mongol leader, established the Yuan dynasty.
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The last of the great Chinese dynasties, the Ming finished the Great Wall and built the Forbidden City, an enormous palace for the Emperor. The Ming came into power by overthrowing the rule of the Mongols.