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Ancient China
Every Historical Conquest article on Ancient China — 51 pieces of narrative history written for students and teachers.
Lesson Plans from Ancient China: Overview
The history of ancient China spans thousands of years and encompasses a rich tapestry of dynasties, empires, and civilizations that have shaped the country's identity and
19 min
Lesson Plans from Ancient China: Xia Dynasty (c. 2070–1600 BC)
Exploring the Xia Dynasty offers a glimpse into the early foundations of Chinese civilization. Let's delve into the major events surrounding this period and why it is ess
13 min
Lesson Plans from Ancient China: Shang Dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BC)
Lesson Plans from Ancient China: Shang Dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BC)The Shang Dynasty, spanning from approximately 1600 to 1046 BC, holds a crucial place in Chinese history a
16 min
Lesson Plans from Ancient China: Zhou Dynasty (c. 1046–256 BC)
The Zhou Dynasty, spanning from approximately 1046 to 256 BC, holds a pivotal place in Chinese history, marked by significant events that shaped the course of the nation'
15 min
Lesson Plans from Ancient China: Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC)
The Qin Dynasty, which lasted from 221 to 206 BC, marks a pivotal period in Chinese history. Led by the visionary ruler Qin Shi Huang, it represents a time of unification
14 min
Lesson Plans from Ancient China: Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD)
The Han Dynasty, spanning from 206 BC to 220 AD, stands as a pivotal era in Chinese history, renowned for its significant contributions to technology, governance, and cul
13 min
Lesson Plans from Ancient China: The Three Kingdoms Period (220–280 AD)
The Three Kingdoms Period, spanning from 220 to 280 AD, stands as a remarkable chapter in the annals of Chinese history. Emerging from the ashes of the Han Dynasty's coll
13 min
Lesson Plans from Ancient China: Sui Dynasty (581–618 AD)
The Sui Dynasty, which ruled China from 581 to 618 AD, stands as a pivotal era in Chinese history, serving as a bridge between the fragmentation of previous periods and t
16 min
Lesson Plans from Ancient China: The Tang Dynasty (618 - 907 AD)
The Tang Dynasty, spanning from 618 to 907 AD, stands as one of the most illustrious periods in Chinese history, marking a pinnacle of cultural, economic, and political a
14 min
Lesson Plans from Ancient China: The Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD)
The Song Dynasty, spanning from 960 to 1279 AD, stands as one of the most remarkable periods in Chinese history, renowned for its remarkable advancements in various field
14 min
Lesson Plans from Ancient China: The Yuan Dynasty (1271 - 1368 AD)
The Yuan Dynasty, spanning from 1271 to 1368 AD, holds a significant place in Chinese history as it marked the first time China was ruled by a foreign power, the Mongols,
14 min
Lesson Plans from Ancient China: Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 AD)
The Ming Dynasty, spanning from 1368 to 1644 AD, holds a significant place in Chinese history for its restoration of Chinese rule after the collapse of the preceding Yuan
16 min
Lesson Plans from Ancient China: Qing Dynasty (1644–1912 AD)
The Qing Dynasty, spanning from 1644 to 1912 AD, holds a significant place in Chinese history as the last imperial dynasty. Founded by the Manchu people, it marked both t
14 min
Lesson Plans from Ancient China: The Opium Wars and Decline (1839-1912)
The Opium Wars and the subsequent decline of the Qing Dynasty represent a pivotal period in Chinese history, marked by external aggression, internal turmoil, and the eros
15 min
1. Lesson Plan for Ancient China: Geography and Early Settlements of China between 2400-256 BC
China’s Natural Boundaries and Geographic IsolationLong before written history, the land itself acted as both protector and teacher, guiding human settlement into fertile
41 min
2. Lesson Plan for Ancient China: Xia Dynasty (c. 2070–1600 BC)
China Before the Xia: Neolithic FoundationsLong before kings, palaces, or written records, people living along China’s river valleys developed agricultural systems, craft
37 min
3. Lesson Plan for Ancient China: The Shang Dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BC)
Geography and the Yellow River World for Settlement, Agriculture, and DefenseGeography and the Yellow River World shaped every major decision the Shang people made, from
38 min
4. Lesson Plan for Ancient China: The Zhou Dynasty Begins (c. 1046–770 BC)
The World Before the Zhou: Decline of the Shang DynastyThis was a period marked by deep fractures beneath the surface of one of early China’s most powerful ruling houses.
40 min
5. Heroes and Villians of Ancient China: The Spring and Autumn Period
I am King Ping of Zhou: A King in a Fractured WorldI was not born into peace. I, King Ping of Zhou, entered a world already cracking under the weight of its own promises.
54 min
5. Lesson Plans for Ancient China - The Spring and Autumn Period of Chaos
The Decline of the Zhou Dynasty’s Central PowerThe Zhou Dynasty began its rule around 1046 BC with a strong central authority that commanded loyalty from a wide network o
54 min
5. Lesson Plan for Ancient China: The Spring and Autumn Period
The Decline of the Zhou Dynasty’s Central PowerThe Zhou Dynasty began its rule around 1046 BC with a strong central authority that commanded loyalty from a wide network o
54 min
6. Heroes and Villians of Ancient China: Confucius and Confucianism
My Name is Kong Qiu, Though Many Now Call Me ConfuciusI was born in the State of Lu, in the small town of Qufu, during the troubled years of the late Spring and Autumn Pe
48 min
6. Lesson Plans on Ancient China: Confucius and Confucianism
The Early Life of Kong FuziKong Fuzi, known in the West as Confucius, was born in the small state of Lu in 551 BC during the waning years of the Spring and Autumn Period.
53 min
6. Lesson Plan for Ancient China: Confucius and Confucianism
The Early Life of Kong FuziKong Fuzi, known in the West as Confucius, was born in the small state of Lu in 551 BC during the waning years of the Spring and Autumn Period.
53 min
7. Heroes and Villians of Ancient China: Daoism and Laozi
My Name is Laozi, Keeper of the DaoI was born, it is said, in the state of Chu during the latter part of the Spring and Autumn Period, a time when the Zhou Dynasty still
42 min
7. Lesson Plans on Ancient China: Daoism and Laozi
The Story of Laozi – Myth, Legend, HistoryThe origins of Laozi are shrouded in legend, with few certainties. It is said he was born in the 6th century BC in the state of
60 min
7. Lesson Plan for Ancient China: Daoism and Laozi
The Story of Laozi – Myth, Legend, HistoryThe origins of Laozi are shrouded in legend, with few certainties. It is said he was born in the 6th century BC in the state of
60 min
8. Heroes and Villians of Ancient China: Legalism, Xunzi, and Han Feizi
My Name is Shang Yang (390-338BC): A Reformer from the State of Wei I was born in the state of Wei during the Warring States period, around the year 390 BC. My name is re
42 min
8. Lesson Plans on Ancient China: Legalism, Xunzi, and Han Feizi
Origins in a Time of Chaos: The Story of Shang YangI was born in the State of Wei, during the heart of the Warring States Period, a time when the once-unified Zhou realm
59 min
8. Lesson Plan for Ancient China: Legalism, Xunzi, and Han Feizi
Origins in a Time of Chaos: The Story of Shang YangI was born in the State of Wei, during the heart of the Warring States Period, a time when the once-unified Zhou realm
59 min
9. Heroes and Villians of Ancient China: The Warring Period of Ancient China
My Name Is Sun Tzu: A Life of War and WisdomI was born around the year 544 BC in the state of Qi, during the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, a time of endless rivalries among China
45 min
9. Lesson Plans on Ancient China: The Warring Period of Ancient China
Citizen Radio Broadcast: The Warring States Period – Chaos, Iron, and the Empire[Calm, Oriental Music, sounding like bells gently ringing]Host: Folks, let me tell you abo
52 min
9. Lesson Plan for Ancient China: The Warring Period of Ancient China
Citizen Radio Broadcast: The Warring States Period – Chaos, Iron, and the Empire[Calm, Oriental Music, sounding like bells gently ringing]Host: Folks, let me tell you abo
52 min
10. Heroes and Villians of Ancient China: The Qin Dynasty of Ancient China
My Name Was Ying Zheng: The First Emperor of ChinaI was born in 259 BC, in the state of Zhao, in a city called Handan. My father, Prince Yiren, was a hostage of the Qin s
54 min
10. Lesson Plans on Ancient China: The Qin Dynasty of Ancient China
Shi Huangdi’s Rise to PowerYing Zheng, the man who would become known as Shi Huangdi, was born in 259 BC in the western Chinese state of Qin during the later years of the
54 min
10. Lesson Plan for Ancient China: The Qin Dynasty of Ancient China
Shi Huangdi’s Rise to PowerYing Zheng, the man who would become known as Shi Huangdi, was born in 259 BC in the western Chinese state of Qin during the later years of the
54 min
11. Heroes and Villians of Ancient China: The Han Dynasty of Ancient China
My Name is Liu Bang, Emperor Gaozu of HanHumble Beginnings in Peasant FieldsI was born in 256 BC, in the humble village of Feng in Pei County. My family were peasants—pla
50 min
11. Lesson Plans on Ancient China: The Han Dynasty of Ancient China
Citizen Broadcast: The Glory and Grit of the Han DynastyHOST: Ladies and gentlemen, patriots of history and defenders of common sense, buckle up, because today we’re turn
46 min
11. Lesson Plan for Ancient China: The Han Dynasty of Ancient China
Citizen Broadcast: The Glory and Grit of the Han DynastyHOST: Ladies and gentlemen, patriots of history and defenders of common sense, buckle up, because today we’re turn
46 min
12. Heroes and Villians of Ancient China: The Innovations of the Han Dynasty
My Name is Cai Lun: A Man Who Changed the World with a Sheet of PaperI was born around the year 50 AD in Guiyang, which lies in what is now modern-day Hunan Province. My
41 min
12. Lesson Plans on Ancient China: The Innovations and Expansions of the Han Dynasty
Why the Han Dynasty MattersThe Han Dynasty, which lasted from 206 BC to AD 220, holds a place of profound importance in Chinese history and world civilization. Emerging f
52 min
12. Lesson Plan for Ancient China: The Advancements of the Han Dynasty
Why the Han Dynasty MattersThe Han Dynasty, which lasted from 206 BC to AD 220, holds a place of profound importance in Chinese history and world civilization. Emerging f
52 min
13. Heroes and Villians of Ancient China: The People and Culture Under the Han Dynasty
My Name is Sima Qian: Grand Historian of the HanI was born around the year 145 BC in Longmen, near the Yellow River, into a family steeped in learning and tradition. My f
40 min
13. Lesson Plans on Ancient China: The People and Culture of the Han Dynasty
Radio Broadcast Script: Social Structure and Daily Life in Ancient ChinaIntro music plays – Chinese patriotic tune fades into host's voiceHOST: Ladies and gentlemen, stra
51 min
13. Lesson Plan for Ancient China: The People and Culture of the Han Dynasty
Radio Broadcast Script: Social Structure and Daily Life in Ancient ChinaIntro music plays – Chinese patriotic tune fades into host's voiceHOST: Ladies and gentlemen, stra
51 min
14. Heroes and Villians of Ancient China: The Religions of the Han Dynasty
My Name is Huangdi, the Yellow EmperorOrigins of a Heavenly MandateI was not born of common stock. The myths speak of me as a son of the Shaodian clan, born near the Ji R
50 min
14. Lesson Plans on Ancient China: The Religions of the Han Dynasty
The Early Belief in One Ultimate God in Ancient ChinaHeaven as the Supreme PowerIn ancient China, long before the flourishing of Taoism and the arrival of Buddhism, there
36 min
14. Lesson Plan for Ancient China: The Religions of the Han Dynasty
The Early Belief in One Ultimate God in Ancient ChinaIn ancient China, long before the flourishing of Taoism and the arrival of Buddhism, there existed a profound belief
36 min
15. Lesson Plans on Ancient China: End of the Han and the Classical Era of China, and its Legacy
Setting the Stage: The Height of Han PowerBefore the fall of the Han Dynasty and the centuries of fragmentation that followed, China stood unified and prosperous under th
52 min
15. Heroes and Villians of Ancient China: End of the Han and the Classical Era of China, and its Legacy
My Name is Zhang Jue: Healer, Prophet, RebelI was born during a time of suffering in the late Eastern Han Dynasty. The land was gripped by droughts, floods, locusts, and
43 min
15. Lesson Plan for Ancient China: End of the Han and the Classical Era of China, and its Legacy
Setting the Stage: The Height of Han PowerBefore the fall of the Han Dynasty and the centuries of fragmentation that followed, China stood unified and prosperous under th
52 min