Ancient ChinaBy: Professor Annie Zhang

IntroductionIn ancient times China was a very different civilization. The ancient Chinese invented many things for the world. Ancient China was the longest lasting civilization. It lasted over 5000 years. Ancient China was the area that is now the western half of China. In this report you will learn about clothing, legacies, architecture and beliefs in Ancient China.

ClothingPoor and rich people wore very different clothing in ancient China. Poor men wore baggy hemp trousers with a loose shirt over the top and a fur lined coat in winter. Poor women wore simple dresses made from wool in winter and cotton in summer. Poor people kept their fingernails short for working the fields. Their clothing was padded for the coldest weather. On the other hand, rich people and officials were dressed in beautiful silk robes with patterns and bright colors. Only important people were allowed to wear silk. Even merchants who sold the silk didn’t wear it. Rich people grew long fingernails to show that they didn’t have to work. Also, wealthy people wore expensive jewelry made from jade and pretty pins in their hair.

ARCHITECTUREAncient china’s architecture was different from other ancient civilisations. The Great wall is the longest and most famous piece of architecture. The Great Wall was used to protect the dynasties. Over 30,000 people to make the Great Wall. The Chinese worked on the wall for over 1700 years. In turn, each emperor who came to power added pieces of the great wall to protect their dynasties. But the wall was not a solid wall. It was a line of disconnected barricades. First, Emperor Qin wanted a much better barricade to protect his people from the Mongal Invaders to the north. He wanted a strong wall 30 feet wide & 50 feet high. Many parts of the Great Wall are still standing today.

LegaciesThe Ancient Chinese left many great legacies which are still important in the modern world! The Chinese invented four great inventions: paper, gunpowder, the compass and printing. They also invented many little things, such as kites, noodles, chopsticks and the water clock. Paper making was invented around 100C.E. Fibers from a plant called hemp were soaked (put in water ) until it was mushy pulp ,then a wooden frame with fine mesh was used to lift a layer of pulp. Once it was dry, it was good for writing. Gunpowder was first made from salt, pepper, sulphur and carbon. The Chinese first used it make fireworks and scare their enemies. In 200BC, the Chinese found that a magnetic rock floats in water or hangs from a string and swings to point north. This was the first compass and it was important for trading by sea. Printing blocks were first used 1600E and made it much easier to produce lots of books for more people to read. The Ancient Chinese were great inventors and their discoveries are still important today.

BeliefsThe ancient Chinese believed in Confusius’ teaching, Buddhism and Taoism. Many beliefs of the ancient Chinese are based on the writing of Confusius. He was a great thinker who lived between 551 and 479B.C.E. Confusius taught that fathers were the head of the family. He taught people how to be respectful and good people. Buddhism taught that people were sad because they wanted too many things, so if they stop wanting things they would find peace. Taoism was begin by Lao Tzu. He wanted a way for people to stop fighting and find peace. As you can see, ancient Chinese people had many different beliefs but they were similar in some ways.

ConclusionAncient China was a fascinating society. They had their own special ways of dressing. Their architecture was unique. They made their own belief systems. Legacies such as gunpowder and printing were very important. The ancient Chinese society gave us many ideas and inventions that we still use today.

Reference List Author Date Title

Jane Shuter 2007 Ancient China

Paul Challen 2005 Life in Ancient China

Joanna Cole 2005 Imperial China

Bruce Pegen

Robert Nicholion 1944 Ancient China

Anita Caner 1999 Legacies From Ancient China

Date Accessed Website

25.10.12 www.brainpopjr.com