Ancient Chinese History Study Guide

How did ancient Chinese keep their gods happy?

Answer explanation

The ancient Chinese kept their gods happy by making offerings of food and other goods. They believed that the gods and spirits would be unhappy if not treated well.

What were Warlords?

Answer explanation

Warlords were military leaders who commanded their own army. They ran the Shang kingdom's territories.

What people are best known for their works of bronze?

Answer explanation

The Shang were best known for their works of bronze.

What does the Mandate of Heaven state?

Answer explanation

The Mandate of Heaven states that the king was chosen by heavenly order because of his talent and virtue. He was expected to rule with goodness and wisdom.

List the social classes of ancient China from highest to lowest.

Answer explanation

The social classes of ancient China from from highest to lowest are landowning aristocrats, peasant farmers, and merchants.

Who was considered the head of the Chinese family?

Answer explanation

The head of the Chinese family is the oldest male.

Merchants and Scholars were the first to adopt what in ancient China? Why were they the first to do this?

Answer explanation

Merchants and scholars were the first to adopt Buddhism. They did this because the ideas were passed along the Silk Road while they were also trading goods.

What is a currency?

Answer explanation

Currency is a type of money to be used throughout the empire. The idea was started by Qin Shihuangdi.

What people were ordered to build the Great Wall of China?

Answer explanation

Farmers were ordered to leave their fields and build the Great Wall.

How did tenant farmers pay for their land?

Answer explanation

Tenant farmers paid for their land with the crops that they grew. They paid the crops to the landowning aristocrats.