Understanding the geographic, political, economic, religious and social structures of China in the Middle

Ages.

There are 3 main religions in China during the Middle Ages:

ConfucianismBuddhismDaoism

Confucius taught

love for humanitydevotion to family (including ancestors) peace & justice value of education

A religion based on the teaching of Buddha. Buddha taught:

•life is filled with suffering caused by human desire•Suffering ends when desire ends•Meditation releases one from desire and suffering •Enlightenment is obtained through right conduct and wisdom

A religion that believed people needed to be in harmony with the universe, including nature.

Harmony would come if there was compassion, moderation and humility.

To bring back together

The Sui and Tang dynasties reunified China.

To be ruled by an emperor.

Imperial China was ruled by many different emperors.

A government that operates with non-elected officials each doing only a part of running government

Letters or pictures are carved into wood blocks, after ink is rubbed across the blocks the blocks are pressed onto cloth or paper

Each character is carved into a separate block. The blocks are put together to form words or sentences. Blocks are used again and again.

A hard, white, translucent material made from firing clay. Cups, teapots, bowls and statues are frequently made of porcelain.

A time in Chinese history when the Mongols successfully conquered and held most of Asia, and extended their Empire nearly to Europe. They also brought many interesting changes to China. Within 20 years of the first assault on China, the Mongolian people held most of Asia.