Ancient China

Why did fewer people settle in Outer China than in Inner China?

• the land was in larger estates
• the climate was more extreme
• the roads were more dangerous
• the invasions drove farmers away

In Inner China, which natural events improved the soil?

• floods
• hurricanes
• sandstorms
• earthquakes

Why is the North China Plain sometimes called the “Land of the Yellow Earth”?  

• millet in an important grain there
• limestone silt from the Gobi Desert covers the soil
• gold has been discovered in nearby mountains
• one of the world's muddiest rivers runs through the region

Shang weapons were especially strong because skilled artisans made these objects from

• iron 
• stone
• bones
• bronze

For what purpose would a Shang leader most likely use an oracle bone made from a turtle shell?

• to serve as a ceremonial meal
• to make music for his family
• to send messages to the nobles
• to ask for advice from ancestors

How did Zhou, a frontier state, most affect the Shang dynasty?

• rebels from Zhou overthrew the king
• Warriors from Zhou led the Shang royal army.
• jade mines in Zhou made the king wealthy
• travelers through Zhou promoted foreign trade

In the later years of the Zhou dynasty, what condition in China led to new philosophies?

• wealth
• disorder
• feudalism
• democracy

According to belief in the Mandate of Heaven, earthquakes and floods might be signs that

• the king did not govern well
• the end of the world is near
• the people did not obey the laws
• the natural world ignored humans

Which group belongs in the shaded area? 

• lords
• soldiers
• farmers
• servants

Which phrase below best completes the following quotation? “I am a follower of Confucius. I am the oldest of three children in my family. My younger sister and brother have to obey me. In return, I . . .” 

• may do whatever I want
• can punish them harshly
• must set a good example
• have to grant their wishes