Ancient China Quiz

What is a dynasty?

• A group of merchants

• A group of rulers from the same family

• A group of soldiers

• A group of philosophers

Which dynasty is considered the first by some historians but others are unsure if it actually existed?

• Shang

• Tang

• Xia

• Zhou

Which dynasty ruled and united China from 221 to 206 BCE?

• Han Dynasty

• Zhou Dynasty

• Qin Dynasty

• Shang Dynasty

How did power typically pass in ancient Chinese dynasties?

• Through elections

• From father to son

• By military coup

• Through public vote

Who is credited with founding the Xia Dynasty according to legend?

• Qin Shi Huang

• Confucius

• Yu the Great

• Sun Tzu

What major project did Yu the Great undertake to control flooding?

• Building the Great Wall

• Creating an irrigation system

• Constructing the Forbidden City

• Developing a new calendar

Who established the Shang Dynasty?

• King Tang

• King Wu

• King Zhou

• King Yu

Shang rulers in China were considered to be

• Heads of government and religion

• Leaders of trade and commerce

• Commanders of the navy

• Architects of the Great Wall

What was the reason for the overthrow of the Shang Dynasty?

• The final ruler was kind and generous

• The final ruler was cruel and neglected his people

• The final ruler was weak and sick

• The final ruler was too young

Under what condition would a dynasty lose the Mandate of Heaven?

• If it became wealthy

• If it became corrupt or abusive

• If it expanded its territory

• If it built new cities