Ancient ChinaBy: Kazuki (Li)

Introduction

China is a very big country in Asia. China has had a long history. Ancient China was a very different civilization from modern China. The civilization began about 8,000 years ago, when people settled in areas of the northeast and beside three great rivers, the Yellow River in the north, the Wei River in the northwest and the Yangzi River in the south. The Chinese civilization lasted longer than any other ancient civilization. Ancient China was located in the area that is now the western half of China. China invented many things that have lasted for a long time. In this report you will learn about food, architecture, legacies and writing and language.

Food

In ancient China people’s food was different according to where they lived. In the south, people grew rice and in the north, they grew wheat. They drank tea more than any other drink (except water). People cooked their food very quickly, with everything in one pot (ding). They chopped vegetables very small. In ancient China, rice was a very important food because it could make cakes, porridge, dumplings and wine. Most people rarely eat meat. Poor peoples ate chicken’s eggs and then ate chickens which stopped laying eggs. They also hunted for wild animals. Wealthy peoples ate many kinds of meats, for example pork, chicken, lamb, goose, pig and ox. On special occasions, they also ate snakes, dogs, snails and small birds.

Architecture

In ancient China, most architecture had curved roofs to keep out evil spirits (because curved roofs could confuse them). Rich people’s houses were built around huge courtyards. Their houses were made of painted wood and roofed with pottery tiles. Poor people’s houses were built from muds and thatch. They built floors below ground level to keep warm.

In ancient China, the Great Wall was an amazing piece of architecture. It was built by Emperor Qin Shi Huang. The Great Wall is 3,700 miles long and between 16 feet and 32 feet high. Watch towers are located every 290 feet along the wall.

Legacies

In ancient China, they were 4 important inventions.

In 200B.C.E., the Chinese made compasses by using magnetic rock. They used string to hang the rock in the water and then it pointed north. They first used compasses to make sure their houses pointed the right way. Compasses were very important for trade.

In 1680B.C.E., the Chinese invented printing with wooden blocks. In 1040B.C.E. they invented moveable type. Moveable type was easier than wooden blocks for printing. Printing requires paper, ink and a surface carved with letters or other symbols. Chinese monks developed a method of printing using marble pillars. They applied wet paper to carved sections of the pillars, which were coated in ink. Printing helped the Chinese to copy writing so many people could read it.

In 100A.D.E., they invented paper by using fibers from plants. They used a wooden frame with fine mesh to lift a layer of pulp. When it was dry, it was good for writing.

Gun powder was invented in 9th Century. It was discovered by a scientist who was trying to make a drink that can make you live forever. The ancient Chinese used it for fire works to scare their enemies. Next they used gun powder in weapons such as bombs and rockets. It is still used today in weapons and fireworks.

Writing and Language

Ancient Chinese writing and language is very different from European writing and language. In 1400B.C.E., the Chinese wrote letters and numbers on animal’s bones. Later, they wrote on bamboo strips and silk. In 400B.C.E., the first books were made on wood. Most people in ancient China didn’t know how to write. Chinese writing uses characters, or symbols to represent words and ideas. Over many years, the characters changed to be more simple so it was quicker and easier to write. In 100A.D.E. china invented paper, which helped people write more easily, quickly and cheaply. In ancient China, they used brushes to write and draw. Ink was made from plants and the plants had many colors, such as red, brown, blue and green. The black ink was made from soot (carbon). They made solid blocks of ink with glue, then wet the block with the brush. The brushes were made from animal’s hair and the handles were made from bamboo.

Conclusion

Ancient China was an interesting place. The ancient Chinese people developed unique spoken and written language, food customs and architecture. They invented many important things we still use today, such as gun powder, printing, paper and the compass. We should be thankful to the ancient Chinese for all that they have given us.

REFERENCE LIST

Author Date TitleJoanna Cole 2005 Ms.Frizzles Adventures Imperial ChinaPaul Challen 2005 Life In Ancient China Philp Steele 1998 Step into the Chinese EmpireIvan Minnis 2005 You are in … Ancient China

Date accessed Website25.10.12 www.brainpopjr.com