East asian civilizations 2

East Asian Civilizations 2
History for Zoey and Kaya
Created by GrandBob
Muse
Grandma

East Asian Civilizations
(China, Japan, Korea)

This is an excerpt from World History Lessons for Zoey and Kaya
Clickable links begin on next slide.

Chinese Civilization
(2000 BC - 1911 AD)
China has a long and distinguished history comparable to Mideastern, Indian, and Western
Civilizations. European Civilization only pulled deﬁnitively ahead of China following the discovery
of the Americas and the Industrial Revolution. The overthrow of the last Emperor in 1911 and
subsequent revolutionary upheavals have resulted in the rapid growth of the Chinese economy and
industry rivaling that of Europe and the United States. The population of China is equal to the
populations of the US, Europe, and Japan combined. Many people believe that the 21th century
will be a Chinese Century just as the 20th century was an American Century. It is very important to
learn about and understand Chinese history and culture
All of Chinese Dynasties by Epimetheus
Marching Chinese
Shenzen Miracle
Animated Early History Animated Later History
Chinese History Timeline

Rough Matching of Chinese and Western Civilization
Western Chinese
Babylonia 1800 BC Xia Dynasty
Bronze Age 1600 BC Shang Dynasty
Assyrian - Persians 700 BC Zhou Dynasty
Macedonians 300 BC Warring States
Roman Republic 100 BC Han Dynasty
Roman Empire 250 AD Three Kingdoms
German Kingdoms 500 AD Sui Dynasty
Arab Expansion 700 AD Tang Dynasty
Holy Roman Empire 950 AD 10 Kingdoms
Crusades 1100 AD Song Dynasty
Mongol-Turk invasions 1200 AD Yuan (Mongol) Dynasty
Rebirth of Western Europe 1500 AD Ming Dynasty
European Empires 1700 AD Qing Dynasty
American Civil War 1864 AD Taiping Rebellion
American Dominance 1990 AD Rebirth of China
Territorial Extent of Chinese Dynasties
As in the Western world, empires arose, became powerful, and eventually collapsed. Periods of chaos
were followed by a rebirth of strong governments. China was able to maintain a more cohesive culture
due to the common written language and ethnic background for the majority of its inhabitants.

The typical story for Chinese dynasties is:
• A strong leader overthrows the previous dynasty or ends a period of chaotic warfare.
• The new emperor surrounds himself with capable ministers and generals.
• Over several generations, the quality of emperors and government declines
• Citizens and regions become discontent
• There are growing revolts weakening the power of the emperor
• Eventually the central state is either overthrown or loses power to regional states.
Summary of Typical Chinese Dynasties
The names of almost all emperors, generals, and ministers are relatively unknown in the
West. In the upcoming slides, only some key ﬁgures will be discussed. This typically
includes good leaders from the beginning and bad leaders from the end of dynasties.
Be aware that Chinese historical ﬁgures often have multiple names including birth names,
courtesy names taken as adults, names used as rulers, and names given after death. The
same name like Jin can apply to multiple states. Also Chinese names can be transcribed in
alternate forms into English. (Chou = Zhou).
Courtesy Name
Emperor Xiaozong of Song

personal name Zhao Shen,

courtesy name Yuanyon
Many “Jin” states
and dynasties

Rough History of Chinese Civilization
Timeline of Chinese Dynasties
Early civilization arose in the Yellow River Valley (22700 BC)
Initial dynasty is the Xia Dynasty (2070 BC)
Xia Dynasty is overthrown by Shang Dynasty (1600 BC)
Shang Dynasty is overthrown by Zhou Dynasty (1046 BC)
Zhou Dynasty disintegrates into multiple warring states (256 BC)
Qin Kingdom wins and become ﬁrst large Empire (221 BC)
Han Dynasty overthrows Qin Dynasty (206 BC)
Han Dynasty disintegrates into warring 3 Kingdoms Period (220 AD)
Jin Dynasty and Northern(Wei) and Southern Dynasties rise and fall (581 AD)
Sui Dynasty rebuilds large Empire (589 AD)
Tang Dynasty overthrows Sui Dynasty (619 AD)
Tang Dynasty disintegrates into 10 Kingdoms and 5 Dynasties (907 AD)
Song Dynasty rebuilds Empire (960 AD)
Mongols overthrow Song Dynasty to form Yuan Dynasty (1279 AD)
Ming Dynasty expels Mongols (1368 AD)
Manchus (Qing) from Manchuria overthrow Ming Dynasty (1644 AD)
Sun Yat Sen leads a revolution that expels Qing and forms republic (1912 AD)
Chiang Kai-Shek become the leader of the Republic (1928 AD D)
Japan invades Manchuria (1931) and China (1937) surrenders (1945)
Mao Zedong leads Communist revolution and overthrows Chiang Kai-Shek (1949)
Deng Xiaoping moves China away from Communism towards Capitalism (1978)
China become world’s second largest economy (around 2010)
Prosperity is not matched by democratic reforms creating tension (1989-present)
Mandate of HeavenChinese History Dates

Sung to the tune of Frere Jacques

Key Points from Chinese Dynasties
Chinese civilization began along the Yellow River in Northern China 5000 years ago
There has be)en strong continuity for the past 3500 years due to a common written language
Chinese history is a series of rise and falls of dynasties mixed in with periods of civil wars
Major dynasties to remember are the Zhou, Qin, Han, Tang,Yuan, Ming, Qing (Manchu)
]
Important philosophers including Confucius, Lao Tze, and Sun Tzu lived during the Zhou Dynasty
The Qin dynasty unified China and started building the Great Wall
The Silk Road was opened during the Han dynasty
Many important cultural works were produced during the Tang Dynasty
The Mongols (Yuan) transmitted Chinese science to Europe (gun powder, compass, paper)
Marco Polo visited China when it was ruled by the Mongol Kublai Khan
The Ming Dynasty sent vast fleets throughout the Indian Ocean and then isolated itself
The Qing dynasty was weakened by European powers (Opium Wars) and finally collapsed
China has transformed from a very backward country to a leading world power in 40 years
Zhou Qin Han Tang Yuan Ming Qing
Marco Polo Ming Voyages (1405)Silk Road

RiverValleys of Chinese Civilization
Chinese Civilization ﬁrst arose along the Yellow River in the North. It eventually
spread to Southern including the rich agricultural areas along the Yangtze River.

Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors
The Five Emperors
• Huang-di (The Yellow Emperor), c. 2697 – c. 2597 BCE
• Zhuanxu, c. 2514 – c. 2436 BCE
• Emperor Ku, c. 2436 – c. 2366 BCE
• Emperor Yao, c. 2358 – c. 2258 BCE
• Emperor Shun, c. 2255 – c. 2195 BCE
Fuxi
Nuwa
Shennong Yellow Emperor
In Chinese legend, there were three sovereign gods and 5 emperors. Nuwa created humas.
Fuxi was the sky God who taught human beings many things (including hunting , ﬁshing,
writing).. Shennong invented tea. The Chinese believe that they alll descended from the
Yellow Emperor (Huangdi). He is also credited with many inventions.
The Three Sovereigns
• The Heavenly Sovereign (Fuxi)
• The Earthly Sovereign (Nuwa)
• The Human Sovereign (Shennong)
These characters are mythical but may be partially related to real people
Mausoleum

Yue People and Pearl River
The area around the Pearl River in the South were once independent kingdoms of the Yue people. During the Han
dynasty, this state was incorporated into China. Many ethnic Han Chinese from the North migrated into the area.
However the Cantonese spoken language is left over from the Yue kingdoms. “Cantonese uses the same written
characters as the oﬃcial Mandarin language of China)The city of Guangzhou (Canton) became an important port for
European trade. Macao (Portugal) and Hong Kong (England) also became important European trading posts.

Scenic China and Tibet
Guilin and Li River Three Gorges of Yangtze
Tibet
China has spectacular river scenery. Tibet is a mountainous region with average altitude
16,000 feet. China annexed Tibet in 1950. This control is still disputed by the Dalai Lama in exile.
Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet Yellow River Flood

Prehistory and Early Chinese Dynasties
Zhou dynasty (1046–256 BC)Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC)
Prehistoric Bronze Age (2700–2000 BC) Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BC)
Erlitou dong
Bronze Plaque
Xia Dynasty Extent Erlitou Wine Cup

Leading Early Chinese Figures
Shang and Zhou Dynasty 2
King Wu of Zhou
Di Xin of Shang
Battle of Muye Jiang Ziya of Zhou
Daji
Duke of Zhou
King Jie of XiaKing Yu of Xi Chen Tang of Shang
Shang and Zhou Dynasty 1
The ﬁrst three Chinese dynasties were Xia (2700-1600 BC), Shang (1600-1046 BC), and Zhou (1046- 256 BC). King Yu of
Xia controlled Yellow River ﬂoods and introduced irrigation. King Jie of Xia was corrupt. He was overthrown by Chen
Tang who started the Shang Dynasty at battle of Mingtiao. Din Xing of Shang and his consort Da Ji were tyrants and
were overthrown by King Wu of Chou at the battle of Muye. Jiang Ziya was a leading Zhou general. The Duke of Zhou
was a leader who is still revered in China. King Nan of Chou was the last Zhou Emperor overthrown by feudal states.
Battle of Mingtiao
King Nan of Zhou
Royal Crowns

Disintegration of the Zhou Dynasty
Warring States Period (476–221 BC)Spring and Autumn Period 771 - 476 BC
Duke Wen of Jin Mi YueGoujian of Yue
The Spring and Autumn Period is named after a book called the Spring and Autumn Chronicles. Duke Wen of Jin and King
Gujian of Yue were successful military leaders during the Spring and Autumn Period. Gujian sent beautiful Xi She to distract
King Fuchai and make him ignore his responsibilities. Fan Li was a famous businessman and advisor to Guijan and boy friend of
Xi She Bai Qi was one of the best and cruelest generals of the Qin state(killed a million men). Mi Yue was a powerful Dowager
Empress (regent() in Qin who laid the groundwork for its eventually conquest of the other Warring States by Qin.
Bai QiXi Shi Fuchai of Wu
Yue
Fan Li

Chinese Philosophers
Confucius lived from (551 - 479 BC) The philosophy of Confucius, also known as Confucianism,
emphasized personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice,
kindness, and sincerity.The teaching of Confucius has been the basis of Chinese society. Lao
Tse may have been a contemporary of Confucius. He is supposed to be the author of the Tao Te
Ching which describes the Tao or Dao (“the Force”) as the source and ideal of all existence: it is
unseen, but not transcendent, immensely powerful yet supremely humble, being the root of all
things. There is a religion called Taoism based on the Tao. Sun Tsu (544 - 496 BC) was a
philosopher of war. His book on “The Art of War” is still read today by generals and businessmen.
Confucius Lao Tse Sun Tzu
Confucius Quotes
Lao Tse Quotes Sun Tzu Quotes
More Confucius Quotes
Even More Confucius
Taoist Deities
Eight Immortals
Three Pure Ones
Confucius Impact
Compare Clausewitz Quotes
ChantsConfucian Behavior (Ren)

More Chinese Philosophers and Authors
Mencius
I ChingBook of Songs
Zhuangzi
Duke of Zhou
Han Fei Mozi
Xunzi
Zhuangzi was a Taoist philosopher. Shang Yang and Han Fei founded Legalism opposed to
Confucianism. Mozi was a philosopher who believed in empirical reasoning. Xun Kuang (Xunzi) tried
to blend previous philosophies. Qu Yuan was the ﬁrst famous poet of China. Mencius was an
inﬂuential neo-Confucian philosopher. The Duke of Chou is credited with writing the Book of Songs
and the famous I Ching prophecy book.
Gongsun Long
Logicians
Greek Sophists
Shang Yang

Comparing Traditional Chinese Philosophies
Buddhism -The main principles of this belief system are karma, reincarnation, and impermanence. Buddhists
believe that life is full of suffering, but that suffering can be overcome by attaining Nirvana (a state of perfect
happiness) by breaking away from (material) attachments and purifying the mind.
These 5 philosophies competed for dominance during the course of Chinese
history. They have alternated in favor under different dynasties. (Qin Legalist)
(Han Confucian) (Tang Buddhist)
Confucianism - The main concepts of this philosophy include humaneness, righteousness,
propriety/etiquette, loyalty, and filial piety, along with strict adherence to social roles. This is
illustrated through the five main relationships Confucius interpreted to be the core of society: ruler-
subject, father-son, husband-wife, elder brother-younger brother, and friend-friend. In these bonds,
the latter must pay respect to and serve the former, while the former is bound to care for the latter
Daoism (Taoism) - A philosophy centered on the belief that life is normally happy, but should be
lived with balance and virtue. Key components of Daoism are Dao (the Way) and immortality, along
with a stress on balance found throughout nature. There is less emphasis on extremes and instead
focuses on the interdependence between things. For example, the yin/yang symbol does not
exemplify good or evil. It shows that there are two sides to everything
Legalism - Believes attempts to improve the human situation by noble example, education, and
ethical precepts were useless. Since humans are inherently evil, strong laws and rulers are needed to make
them behave correctly.
Mohism - Advocated a unified, utilitarian ethical and political order. To unify moral standards, Mohists
supported a centralized, authoritarian state led by a virtuous, benevolent sovereign managed by a
hierarchical, merit-based bureaucracy.

Comparison between Chinese and Greek Philosophers
The leading Greek philosophers (Plato, Aristotle) wrote during a period of rising civilization and
cultural advancement. They were very interested in understanding the nature of reality and the best
way for individuals to live their lives. They did explore political philosophy in their work but did not
strongly influence later Hellenistic and Roman rulers. The good Roman leaders were more attracted
to the Stoic (deal with bad fortune) and Epicurean (moderate good fortune). Plato and Aristotle were
highly influential among later philosophers and theologians.
The leading Chinese philosophers (Confucius, Lao Tse, Han Fei, Sun Tzu) wrote during a period of
extended warfare and disorder. They were very interested in finding solutions at a society as well as
an individual level. They strongly influenced the political approaches of future dynasties. Lao Tse
was an exception since he believed that people should live closer to natural forces(Tao) and not be
concerned about politics.
Diogenes
Aristotle and Confucius believed that people and rulers should be benevolent
Confucius was more concerned with formal rituals than Aristotle
Plato and Mozi believed that people had to be ruled by their superiors
Plato’s Philosopher Kings and Mozi’s Sage Kings are enlightened rulers
Diogenes and Lao Tse believed in living a simple life
Lao Tse was more mystical than the Cynicism of Diogenes
LaoTseAristotleConfucius Mozi Plato
Statue
Song

Four Books and Five Classics
The Four Books are:
Great Learning
Originally one chapter in the Book of Rites. It consists of a short main text attributed to Confucius and nine
commentary chapters by Zengzi, one of the disciples of Confucius. Its importance is illustrated by Zengzi's foreword
that this is the gateway of learning.
It is significant because it expresses many themes of Chinese philosophy and political thinking, and has therefore
been extremely influential both in classical and modern Chinese thought. Government, self-cultivation and
investigation of things are linked.
Doctrine of the Mean
Another chapter in Book of Rites, attributed to Confucius' grandson Zisi. The purpose of this small, 33-chapter book is
to demonstrate the usefulness of a golden way to gain perfect virtue. It focuses on the Way (道) that is prescribed by a
heavenly mandate not only to the ruler but to everyone. To follow these heavenly instructions by learning and teaching
will automatically result in a Confucian virtue. Because Heaven has laid down what is the way to perfect virtue, it is not
that difficult to follow the steps of the holy rulers of old if one only knows what is the right way.
Analects
A compilation of speeches by Confucius and his disciples, as well as the discussions they held. Since Confucius's
time, the Analects has heavily influenced the philosophy and moral values of China and later other East Asian
countries as well. The Imperial examinations, started in the Sui dynasty and eventually abolished with the founding of
the Republic of China, emphasized Confucian studies and expected candidates to quote and apply the words of
Confucius in their essays.
Mencius
A collection of conversations of the scholar Mencius with kings of his time. In contrast to the sayings of Confucius,
which are short and self-contained, the Mencius consists of long dialogues with extensive prose.
The Four Books were the basis of the required tests to become government officials
(mandarins) in later dynasties. This testing practice was later adopted by Western countries.
Analects

Four Books and Five Classics
The Five Classics are the Foundation of traditional Confucian culture :
Classic of Poetry
A collection of 305 poems divided into 160 folk songs, 105 festal songs sung at court ceremonies, and 40
hymns and eulogies sung at sacriﬁces to heroes and ancestral spirits of the royal house. It was also
called the Book of Songs.
Book of Documents
A collection of documents and speeches alleged to have been written by rulers and ofﬁcials of the early
Zhou period and before. It is possibly the oldest Chinese narrative, and may date from the 6th century
BC. It includes examples of early Chinese prose.
Book of Rites
Describes ancient rites, social forms and court ceremonies. The version studied today is a re-worked
version compiled by scholars in the third century BC rather than the original text, which is said to have
been edited by Confucius himself.
I Ching (Book of Changes)
The book contains a divination system comparable to Western geomancy or the West African Ifá system.
In Western cultures and modern East Asia, it is still widely used for this purpose.
Spring and Autumn Annals
A historical record of the State of Lu, Confucius's native state, 722–481 BC.
I Ching Spring and Autumn Chronicles

Qin Shi Huang (259 - 210 BC)
Qin Shi Huang was the ﬁrst emperor of a uniﬁed China Zhong Guo (Central Kingdom).The name
China comes from his Qin Dynasty. He gained power following wars among smaller states after the fall
of the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC). Qin was a strong ruthless ruler. He introduced standardized laws,
language and currency. He greatly expanded the Great Wall of China which cost thousands of people
their lives. When he died, he had 8,000 Terra cotta statues buried with him to protect him in the afterlife.
They were only discovered in 1974 are now one of China’s major tourist attractions. After Qin’s death,
his dynasty was overthrown by the Han Dynasty.
The Great Wall is 13,000 miles long
Terra Cotta Warriors
The Terra Cotta Army
Qin Shi Huang Section of the Great Wall
He burned books
and buried scholars

Han Dynasty (208 BC - 220 AD)
The Han Dynasty was the ﬁrst Chinese empire to trade with the West (Roman Empire).
It established the foundation for future Chinese empires. Ethnic Chinese call
themselves Han Chinese as opposed to minorities such as Tibetans or Uighurs.

Silk Road
The Silk Road was the land trade route between China and Europe.
The Chinese hid silk worms from the West to make silk very valuable
Chinese War
with Greeks
over horses
General
Li Quanli
Zhang Qian
Silk Worm

Han Dynasty (208 BC - 220 AD)
Liu Bang rose from a poor peasant family to become the leader of the Han Dynasty overthrowing the Qin dynasty.
Emperor Wu was the leader of the greatest period of the Han Dynasty (141- 87 BC). He launched a war( 119 BC)
against the Xiongnu (ancestors of the Huns). Wang Mang (15 AD) seized power brieﬂy and launched an
unsuccessful social revolution. The Red Eyebrow Rebellion weakened Wang Mang. The Yellow Turban Rebellion
(184 AD)seriously weakened the Han Dynasty. Emperor Xian was the last Han Emperor (220 AD) He was the
puppet of various warlords. Sima Quan (175 BC) was the father of Chinese history.
Liu Bang
Emperor Gao Zu
Emperor Wu
Emperor XianWang Mang
Sima Quan
Yellow Turban RebellionRed Eyebrows Rebellion
Wang Zhao JunWar against Xiongnu

Three Kingdoms (220 - 280 AD)
Battle of Red
Cliffs
Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Sun Hao of Wu
Liu Shan
of Shu Han Sima Yi of Wei
Diaochan
Dong Zhuo Lu Bu
Death Tolls in Wars

Battle of the Red Cliﬀs
Romance of the Three Kingdoms Stars
Three Kingdoms Wars (220 - 280 AD)
Cao Cao of Wei
Zhuge Liang of
Shu Han
Liu Bei of
Shu Han
Guan Yu of
Shu Han
Zhang Fei
of Shu Han
Zhao Yun
of Shu Han
The Battle of the Red Cliﬀs between Wei and Shu Han + Wu was one of the largest naval
battles in history fought on the Yangtze River. It ended in defeat for Cao Cao and Wei.

Early Jin Dynasty (265 - 420 AD)
Emperor Wu
Sima Yan

Southern and Northern Dynasties (420 - 589 AD)
Southern Dynasties Northern Dynasties
Hua Mulan
A New Account of the Tales of the World

Ancient Chinese Mathematics and Science
Hua Tuo
Sun Tzu
Zhang Heng
Ten Computational Canons
History of Chinese Science
4 Great Inventions:
gunpowder, paper,
printing, compass
Shen Kuo
Su Song
Zu Chongzhi
Chinese Mathematicians
Chinese Mathematics
Zhu Shijie
History of Chinese Mathematics
10 Chinese Inventions
Zhang Heng (100 AD) invented the seismoscope. Hua Tuo (170 AD) was the ﬁrst surgeon to use
general anesthesia . Sun Tzu (350 AD) wrote the most famous Chinese mathematics book. Zu
Chongzhi (450 AD) calculated Pi very accurately.Su Song (1050 AD) built a giant clocktower. Shen
Kuo (1060 AD) invented the compass. Zhu Shijie (1303 AD) wrote an important algebra book.

Buddhism in China
Chinese Buddhism
Chinese Buddhism 2
10 Buddhist Temples
Giant Buddha Temple
Buddhist Music
Bhodidharma
XuanzangLokaksema Maitreya(Budai)
White Lotus Society
Chan Buddhism Robot Monk
Lokaksema (167 AD) from India translated Buddhist scriptures into Chinese.
Xuanzong (630 AD) made a famous pilgrimage to india described in the novel
“Journey to the West”. Bhodidharma (430 AD) founded Chan (Zen) Buddhism.
Mitreya (1000 AD), the laughing Buddha, is expected to return some day. The
White Lotus Society is a secret Buddhist sect that has been behind several
revolts including the Ming Dynasty overthrow of the Yuan (Mongol) Dynasty.
Buddhism vs Taoism
Three Teachings: Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism

Chinese Sui Dynasty (581 - 618 AD)
Grand
Canal
Sui Yangdi
The short-lived Sui Dynasty reuniﬁed China and paved the way for then Tang Dynasty.
Sui Yang created then Grand Canal between the Yangtse and the Yellow R=rivers The dynasty
fell because of a series of costly wars with Goguryeo, a Korean kingdom

Chinese Tang Dynasty (618 -907 AD)
The Tang Dynasty was one of the powerful powerful world Empires from 700 - 900 AD
Wu Zetian
Taizong
Wu Zetian

Battle of Talas:Tang Dynasty vs. Muslims (751 AD)
The Tang Dynasty was spreading West into Central Asia where it came into contact with the Muslim Abbasid
Caliphate spreading East. The Battle of Talas was won by the Muslims stopping the expansion of the Tang Dynasty.
The An-Lushan (An-Shi) Rebellion (755-763) weakened the Tang Dynasty and ended their plans for future wars.
Emperor Xuanzong had his consort, Yang Guifei, put to death because he blamed her relatives for provoking the
rebellion. Deaths during the rebellion have been estimated as 11 million (5% of the world’s population)
Battle of Talas An-Lushan Rebellion
An LushanGao Xianzhi
Death Tolls
in Wars
Yang GuifeiXuanzongMuslim Chinese Conﬂicts

Chinese Poets
Li Bai (Li Po) Du Fu Wang WeiBai Juyi
The Tang Dynasty (618 - 907 AD) was the golden age of Chinese poetry including, Li Bai,
Du Fu, Bai Juyi, and Wang Wei.
Li Bai
Poem
Seven Sages of the
Bamboo Grove
Yang Xiong
Sima Xiangru
Qu Yuan was the ﬁrst Chinese poet during the Zhou dynasty. Later this dynasty had a
famous set of poets called the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove. Yang Xiong and Sima
Xiangru were well known poets of the Han Dynasty
Qu Yuan

5 Dynasties and 10 Kingdom Period (907 - 979 AD)
History of 5 Dynasties and 10 Kingdoms

Song Dynasty (960 - 1297 AD)
The Song Dynasty was entered in Southern China. It was weakened in wars withe Jin Dynasty
of Jurchen tribes and overgrown by the Mongols under Kublai Khan. ue Fei (1130 AD) was a
popular general. Zhu Xi (1150 AD) was a famous neo-Confucian philosopher. Duzong (1270
AD) was a Song emperor
Zhu Xi 1150 AD
Duzong
Three Character Classic, the Hundred Family Surnames, and 1,000 Character Classic
Yue Fei

Later Jin Dynasty (1115 -1234 AD)
The Jin Dynasty of Jurchen tribes was centered in Northeast China. They fought a series
of wars with the Song Dynasty of Han chinese and conquered the Northern Song area.
1142 AD

Mongolian Empire
The Mongolians captured the largest land empire in history. They began as horsemen
in northeast Asia and swept through the known world led by Genghis Khan. They
killed millions of people from Poland to Japan. After Genghis Khan died their empire
spilt into 4 parts
Genghis Khan

Mongol Attempted Invasions in Asia
Japan 1274-1281 AD Vietnam 1258-1288 AD
Indonesia 1293 AD
After conquering China, the Mongols invaded several more Asin countries with limited success
Korea 1231 -1270 AD

Yuan (Mongol) Dynasty (1279 - 1368 AD)
Kublai Khan
Yuan Dynasty
Marco Polo
Drum Tower in Beijing
History of Mongolian Empire
Red Turban Rebellion

Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644)
The Ming Dynasty was richer and more powerful than European countries for several centuries
Ming Tombs First Ming Emperor
Zhu Yuanzhang
Last Ming Emperor
Zhu Youjian
All Ming Emperors
Ming Porcelain

SevenVoyages of the Ming Dynasty (1405-1433)
The Ming Dynasty sent large ﬂeets around the Indian Ocean. Their ships were much larger than
Columbus. The Ming emperor cancelled the voyages because he thought China didn’t need to trade
Admiral Zheng He
His Fleet
Columbus vs Ming Ship

Classic Chinese Novels
The 4 Classic Novels
Romance of the
Three Kingdoms
Journey to the West
Outlaws of the Marsh
or Water Margin
Dream of the Red Chamber
Modern Novel:
Condor Trilogy
The 4 Classic Novels are Romance of the Three Kingdoms (historical set in 3rd century A), Journey to the West
(story of a 7th century pilgrimage to India), The Water Margin (story of 108 heroes during 13th century Song
Dynasty) , and The Dream of the Red Chamber (life and loves of 19th century aristocrats)
Best Modern
Chinese Novels
available in
English

Manchu (Qing) Dynasty (1622 - 1911 AD)
The Manchus were invaders from Manchuria led by Hong Taiji who overthrew the Ming Dynasty. They
were unable to Europeans from exploiting China. The Taiping rebellion was against the Manchus and
the Europeans. The Manchu's last powerful ruler was Empress Cixi. They were overthrown in 1911.
Manchu Dynasty Empire
Empress Cixi
Puyi
Kangxi EmperorConquest of Ming
First Sino-Japanese War i
Cheng I Sao
Pirate Queen
Hong Taiji

Qing Dynasty Life
Foot Binding
Queue
Opium DenOpium Wars
Rickshaw
Coolie Emigration

Qing Dynasty Rebellions
Taiping Rebellion
Boxer Rebellion
Dungan Revolt 1
Taiping Rebellion (1850-1864 AD)
Xinhai Revolution
White Lotus Rebellion
Panthay Rebellion
Rebellion = Loser
Revolution = Winner
Dungan Revolt 2

Chinese Palaces
Ming/Qing Forbidden City, Beijing Qing Summer Palace, Beijing
Qing Mukden Palace, Shenyang Model of Han Weiyang Palace, Xi’an

Chinese Theater
Classical Peking Opera Modern Chinese Opera Classical Cantonese Opera
Turandot in Beijing
Tang Dynasty Music
Chinese Theater Highlights

Cultural Revolution Art
Women’s Army March Cultural Revolution Opera
Cultural Revolution Ballet 2
Cultural Revolution Ballet
Cultural Revolution Movie

Chinese Artists and Musicians
Gujin
The 4 Arts expected of the traditional Chinese aristocratic scholar were the guqin, a stringed instrument.
琴), qi (the strategy game of Go, 棋), shu (Chinese calligraphy 書) and hua (Chinese painting 畫), and are
also referred to by listing all four: 琴棋書畫; qínqíshūhuà.
Go (Qi) Calligraphy (Shu)
Chinese Painting
Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains
Famous Chinese Paintings Famous Chinese PaintersChinese Painting History

More Chinese Culture
Tai Chi Kung Fu
Bruce Lee Kung Fu
Chinese State Circus Chinese Dancers
Window of the World in Shenzhen
Falun Gong
Chinese Acrobats Ancestor Veneration

Chinese Language (Mandarin Pronunciation)
Basic Expressions in ChineseSpeaking Chinese
Writing Chinese Characters
Tones in Chinese
2
Written Chinese Background
7000 years oldModern
The Chinese written language has been developing over thousands of years. It has a simple grammar and
requires learning only 1-2 thousand characters to become literate (Simplest English has 800 words). There are
different spoken Chinese dialects (Cantonese) that use the same characters. Standard Chinese (Mandarin) is
difficult to learn because similar sounds can have different meanings depending on tones. Classical Chinese is an
ancient dialect from the time of Confucius, it was used for books up until to the 20th century
Classical Chinese

Chinese Cuisine
8 Major Cuisines of China
More Regional Dishes 15 Most Popular Dishes

Some Additional Chinese Reference Links
Chinese Eunuchs
4 Beauties of China
30 Simple Chinese Written Words
10 Worst Chinese Emperors
4 Best Chinese Emperors
10 Craziest Emperors
10 Best Chinese Generals
5 Smartest Chinese People
List of Chinese Wars and Battles
10 Chinese Thinkers
5 Most Feared Chinese Generals
4 Great Emperors
8 Major Cuisines of China
History of China Year by Year
List of Massacres in China
Review of Chinese Dynasties

East Asian Civilizations
influenced by China
 
Several East Asian civilizations (Japan, Vietnam, Korea,) were strongly
influenced by China. In most of Southeast Asia (Cambodia, Malaysia,
Myanmar, Indonesia, Thailand) Indian influences were dominant. They will
be discussed in another section.
Differences among Emperors of China, Japan, and Korea
Asian Architecture
This is an excerpt from World History Lessons for Granddaughters Zoey and Kaya

Other East Asian Civilizations
 
Many East Asian civilizations (Japan, Vietnam, Korea,) were strongly
inﬂuenced by China. In Southeast Asia (Khmer, Malaysia, Indonesia) Indian
inﬂuences were dominant.
Asia 1025 AD
Seijuk
200 years later, the Mongols invaded or conquered most of the Asian kingdoms on this map

Japanese Civilization
Animated History of JapanOverview of Japanese History by Epimetheus
Large Japanese Overview Web Site
China’s vs Japan Timeline
List of all Emperors of Japan
Japanese History Timeline
Japanese History and Folktales
Korean and Chinese Influence on Japan
Japanese Civilization started later and was strongly influenced by China (writing,
Buddhism, government). However Japan was never occupied by China. After fighting
off the Mongols and then suffering disastrous defeats in invasions of Korea, Japan
closed itself from the world in 1639. This lack of communication produced many unique
Japanese customs. In 1853, the isolation was ended by US Commodore Peary. This
sparked a revolt against the Shogunate (Meiji Restoration) in 1868. Japan rapidly
modernized becoming the dominant Asian power. During World War 2, Japan occupied
most of East Asia before its eventual defeat. Since the War, Japan has regained its
global status as a major industrial and cultural influence.

Japanese Geography
Bridges connect Honshu with
Kyushu and Shikoku. There is a
railway tunnel between Honshu
and Hokkaido. These are some
of the longest bridges and
undersea tunnels in the world
Honshu
Kyushu
Shikoku
Hokkaido
Japan’s closest neighbor is Korea

Mount Fujiyama
Climbing Mt Fuji

Japanese History Overview
• Early Japan (until 710)

• Nara and Heian Periods (710-1192)

• Kamakura Period (1192-1333)

• Muromachi Period (1338-1573)

• Azuchi-Momoyama Period (1573-1603)

• Edo Period (1603-1868)

• Meiji Period (1868-1912)

• Taisho and Early Showa Period (1912-1945)

• Postwar Period (since 1945)
Detailed History Timelines Castles from Many Periods
Japan was strongly inﬂuenced by Chinese culture especially during the Tang Dynasty.
However it was more isolated during later years and developed many unique features.

Early Japanese History
Jomon
Ainu
Yayoi
The prehistoric Jōmon period is traditionally dated between 14,000–300 BC, during which Japan was inhabited
by a hunter-gatherer culture, which reached a considerable degree of cultural complexity. The Yayoi
300 BC – 300 AD were migrants from the mainland (Kaya, Korea) who brought rice culture to Japan period
displacing the Jomon. The Ainu are descendants of the Jomon who live on the northern island Hokkaido.
Jomon Pottery
Ainu Bear Ceremony
Kaya Korea and Japan
Japan
Ainu Overview Ainu Song and DanceAinu Dance
More Jomon
Arrival of Yayoi

Traditional Japanese Religion
Asian Dragons
Emperor Jimmu
AmaterasuIzanami and Iwanami Susanoo
Yokai Nihon Shoki and Kojiki
Izanami and Izanami were the ﬁrst god and goddess. Amaterasu (sun goddess) and Susanoo
(storm god) were some of their children. The ﬁrst emperor Jimmu was a descendant of these
gods. All subsequent Emperors claim to be his descendants up until the prsent. The Yokai and
and dragons were demons. The Niho Shoki and Kojiki were early books of myths
More Yokai
Okuninushi
Amabie

Two Main Japanese Religions
Shinto Religion
Buddhism
Kukai
Schools of Buddhism
Pure Land, Nichiren ,
Shingon, Zen
Buddhist Robot
Buddhism vs Shinto Comparison
Shinto was the traditional Japanese religion similar to to Taoism. Buddhism was imported from China. Kukai
introduced Shingon Buddhism from China and is supposed to have invented simpliﬁed Japanese script
(kana). Kami were holy spirits in Shinto. Some Shinto believers consider Buddha to be a Kami.
Shinto Kami
Legendary Creatures List

Japanese Historical Background
Classical Japanese
538-1185 AD
Shogunate 1600- 1868
Shogun
Samurai
Complete History of Japanese
Timeline Japanese History
Japan History Overview to 1853
Prehistoric Japan
Clans
Bushido RoninEmperor
Gold Seal to King Na from China
12 Famous

Comparison of Emperors
Roman Emperors: Emperors had absolute powers but had to be wary about possible
assassination. Emperors were mortals but could be transformed into Gods after their death
(Augustus). In general, the successor to the Emperor was to be selected by merit not birth.
However in practice, military leaders often seized the throne similar to shoguns.
Chinese Emperors: Emperors has absolute power. Emperors (Son of Heaven) were
considered to be mortals who had the mandate of Heaven. In general, the
successor was chosen from the Emperor’s descendants. In practice if an Emperor
was weak there would be rebellions which sometimes led to a new Dynasty
Japanese Emperors: Emperors were generally ﬁgureheads with power residing in clans
and shoguns.. Emperors were considered to be divine dependents of the Sun Goddess. The
successor was chosen from the Emperor’s descendants. Occasionally Emperors tried
to gain more power but it was usually only a temporary change.
Meiji
Augustus
Qin Shi Huang
In general, Emperors can rule when they have the support of the
majority of the upper classes and especially the armed forces.
“Might makes Right”

Japanese Cities
Kyoto/Heian (794 - 1868 AD)
Tokyo/Edo(1868 AD -present)Osaka (645 -655 AD)
Nara /Asuka Region (538 - 794 AD)
All four of the cities below were the capital of Japan. Japanese
periods were often named after their capitals

Yamato (250 - 538 AD)
Yamoto Period 250 - 710 AD
Emperor vs Clan
in Kofun Period
China’s Influence on Japan
Kofun Sub-Period 250 -
538 AD
China’s vs Japan Timeline
Kofun TombDaimyo
The Yamato Period was the first historical era in Japanese history. It began the Yamato leaders
consolidated power on southern Honshu island . The first part of the period was thee Kofun sub-
period characterized by large tombs. Daimyo were aristocrats within the feudal system. Emperor
Nintoku increased the power of the emperor and was buried in a large tomb.
Emperors rising
to Power
Emperor Nintoku Kofun Sites

Yamato Period (538 - 710 AD) (cont)
Empress Jito
(697 AD)Jinshin War 670 AD
Asuka Sub-Period
538 - 710 AD
Emperor Tenji
672 AD
Prince Shotoku
622 AD
Soga Clan
645 AD
Emperor Tenmu
682 AD
Jito Comic
Fujiwara no Kamatari
659 AD
Taika Reform
645 AD
Emperor Kotoku
654 AD
Prince Shotoku is the “father of Japanese Buddhism”. The Soga Clan was the powerful during the Asuka Sub-
Period. Emperor Kotoku initiated the Taika Reforms (modeled on China) after the death of Shotoku and the
downfall of the Soga Clan. Fujiwara no Katamari supported Emperor Tenji and founded the Fujiwara clan.
Emperor Tenji’s son and brother fought to succeed him in the Jinshin War. The uncle won and became
Emperor Tenmu Empress Jito succeeded Emperor Temnu. During this period, there was war between Buddhist
and Shinto supporting clans. Eventually the two religions were harmonized which persists to the present day.
Shinto vs.
Buddhism

Nara Period 710-794 AD Heian Period 794 -1185 AD
Japanese History (710 - 1333 AD)
Kakamura Period 1192 -1333 AD
Fujiwara Takeover
Fujiwara Collapse
Genpei War 1180
-1186 AD
Kanmu 805 AD
Ōtomo no Otomaro
809 AD
Minamoto Yoritomo
1199 AD
Mongol Attacks 1274 and 1281Emishi War (776-813)Smallpox 735-737 AD
Kanmu was the most powerful Emperor.After his reign the clans and shogun gained increasing inﬂuence. Ōtomo no
Otomaro was the ﬁrst Shogun. The Fujiwara Clan became the power behind the Emperors in 794 AD and lost this
position in 1185 AD. The Genpei was fought between the Taira and Minamoto Clans after the fall of the Fujiwara. The
War was eventually won by the Minamoto Clan under the leadership of Minamoto Yoritomo

• Muromachi Period (1338-1573)

• Azuchi-Momoyama Period (1573-1603)

• Edo Period (1603-1868)
Muromachi Period (1338 -1573 AD) Azuchi-Momoyama (1573-1603 AD) Edo Period (1603-1868)
Oda Nobunaga (1570) Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1590) Tokugawa Ieyasu (1605)
Sengoku Period
Warring States
1467-1615 AD
Japan Invades Korea
Portugese Arrive (1543) Japanese Isolation
Japanese Pirates
Mimizuka
Kenmu
Restoration

Meiji Period (1868-1912)
Meiji Period (1868 -1912 AD)Emperor Meiji
Emperor Meiji’s Charter
1. Deliberative assemblies shall be widely established and all matters decided by open discussion.
2. All classes, high and low, shall be united in vigorously carrying out the administration of affairs of state.
3. The common people, no less than the civil and military officials, shall all be allowed to pursue their
own calling so that there may be no discontent.
4. Evil customs of the past shall be broken off and everything based upon the just laws of Nature.
5. Knowledge shall be sought throughout the world so as to strengthen the foundation of imperial rule.
Commodore Peary(1853-1854)

Japanese Wars (1868 - 1941 AD)
Russo-Japanese War(1904) World War 1 1914-1918)
War with China
First Sino-Japanese War (1894)
Japan Annexes Korea (1910) Japan Annexes Manchuria (1931) Japan Invades China (1937)
Pearl Harbor 1941Port Arthur 1904

Japanese Scripts
The modern Japanese writing system uses a combination of logographic kanji, which
are adopted Chinese characters, and syllabic kana. Kana itself consists of a pair of
syllabaries: hiragana, used primarily for native or naturalized Japanese words and
grammatical elements, and katakana, used primarily for foreign words and names
Jukujikun refers to instances in which words are written using kanji that reﬂect the
meaning of the word though the pronunciation of the word is entirely unrelated to the
usual pronunciations of the constituent kanji. (2 x 3) Conversely, ateji refers to the
employment of kanji that appear solely to represent the sound of the compound word
but are, conceptually, utterly unrelated to the signiﬁcation of the word. (x-president )
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_writing_system
Some common kanji have ten or more possible readings; the most complex common example is
生, which is read as sei, shō, nama, ki, o-u, i-kiru, i-kasu, i-keru, u-mu, u-mareru, ha-eru, or ha-yasu,
Learning Hiragana and Katakana

Japanese Cuisine
Tokyo Fish Market
Kobe Beef
Hibachi
Typical Japanese Dishes

Japanese Artists,Writers, and Poets
Basho (1670)
The Great Wave by Hokusai
Haiku
Old pond…
A frog leaps in
Water’s sound.
Yosa Buson(1750)
I go.
You stay;
Two autumns
Issa (1800)
All the time
I pray to Buddha
I keep on
killing mosquitoes.
10 Famous Japanese Paintings
Tiger by Kyorai
Japanese literature
Yukio Mishima (1970) Yoko Ono Miyasaki
Medieval Literature

Japanese Culture
Kabuki 2
Noh Theater
Tea Ceremony
Sumo Wrestling
Karate GeishaNinja
Jujitsu
Cherry Trees
Yakuza
Bunraku
Bowing
Hari Kari
Kabuki
Ryokan
Japanese Anthem
Japanese Flag
Japanese Music History

Modern Japanese Culture
Cosplay
Manga
Anime
Judo
J-Pop
Spirited Away Princess Mononoke
Pokemon
Pac-ManJ-Pop History
Erica Android
Madame ButterﬂyGodzilla
Pachinko

Korean Civilization
All of Korean History by Epimetheus
Korean History
Korean History in a Nutshell
Korean History Timeline List
Timeline Graphic
Korea is situated between China and Japan. For many centuries, it conveyed Chinese culture and
supplied iron to Japan. As Japan became stronger, relative to China, it forced its inﬂuence onto the
Korean peninsula eventually annexing Korea in 1910. After World War 2, Korea was liberated from
Japan and split into two countries; North Korea (Communist) and South Korea (capitalist). In 1950,
North Korea invaded South Korea starting a war that eventually involved the United Nations led by
US and Communistr China. The end result was a stalemate that continues today.
http://korea.prkorea.com/wordpress/english/2012/10/04/great-people-of-korea-2/

Early Korean History
Dangun of
Gojoseon 2333 BC
Hwanin
Lord of Heaven
Three Lords (Ministers of Hwanung)
Hwanung
Supreme Divine Regent
Mumun Pottery
1500 - 300 BC

Earliest Kingdoms (200 BC): During China Han

Three Kingdoms + Kaya (42- 668 AD) : During China Han
King Suro of Kaya
199 AD
King Suro of Kaya
199 AD
King Hyeokgeose
of Silla 4 AD
King Jumong of
Goguryeo 19 BC
Television
King Onjo of
Baekje 28 AD
= GayaKaya
Three Kingdoms and Japan
Yeon Gaesomun

Silla and Balhae (668 - 936 AD): During China Tang
King Go of Balhae
700 AD
Queen Seondeok
of Silla 647 AD
Jang Bogo of Silla
840 AD
King Munmu
of Silla 676 AD

Goryeo (936 - 1390 AD): During China Yuan
Goryeo vs Khitan
993, 1010, 1018-1019 AD
Wang Geon 943 AD
Mongol Invasions  
1231- 1259 AD
Khitan History
Kim Busik 1150 AD
China Red Turban Invasion 1360 ADChoi Mu-Seon 1375 ADMun Ik-Jeom 1375 ADMyocheong

Joseon (1390 - 1896 AD): During China Ming
Admiral Yi-Sun-shin
Battle of Myeongnyang 1597
Taejo of Joseon
1392 AD
Sejong the Great of
Joseon 1430 AD Turtle Ship

Korean Empire (1895 -1910 AD): During China Qing
Gojong Empress Myeongseong
General Jeon Bong-JunHeungseon Daewongun
Sunjong
Donghak Peasant Revolution
Donghak Religion

Korean under Japanese Rule (1910 - 1945)
Terauchi Masatake

North and South Korea (2020)
Pyongyang. North Korea
Seoul at night
Seoul, South Korea
Kim il Sung Kim Jung il
Kim Jung Un

Korean Flags
Korean Patriotic Song against Japan
K-Pop Study for the Fatherland

Scenic Korea
Jeju Island, South Korea Paektu Mountain, North Korea
Bukhansan Mountain, South Korea Yalu River, North Korea

Korean Palaces
Gyeongbokgun Palace, Seoul Changdeokgung, Palace. Seoul
Deokstgung Palace, Seoul,
Changgyeonggung Palace , Seoul Gyeonghuigung Palace, Seoul
Seoul

Korean Religion
Rev Moon
Bulguksa Temple
Gyeongju
Seokguram Grotto
Confucius, Buddha, Jesus, Koran
from Moon’s Uniﬁcation Church
Korean Folk Religion

Korean Culture
Gangnam Style
Parasite Oscar
winning Movie
K-Pop
Best Korean history ﬁlms of all time
Sageuk: Korean Historical Dramass
K-Pop vs J-PopK-Pop History

Korean Scripts and Phrases
Hangui is a korean phonetic alphabet similar to the Japanese Kana. It was
introduced by Sejong the Great of Joseon in 1453 Hanja are Chinese character with
Korean pronunciation similar in some aspects with Japanese Kanji. Hanja was the
literary language until the early 20th Century.
Hangui
Hanja
Korean Phrases
More Korean Phrases
More Korean Phrases

Korean Cuisine
More Top Korean DishesSome Top Korean Dishes
Bulgogi Kimchi Bibimap
Samgyeopsal Samgyetang Haemul Pajeon

East asian civilizations 2

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