Archaeology of Ancient China

Unit 1 – Paleolithic and Neolithic China

Unit 2 – Xia dynasty

Unit 3 – Shang dynasty

Unit 4 – Zhou dynasty

Unit 5 – Qin dynasty

Unit 6 – Han dynasty

Unit 7 – Archaeological Methods in Ancient China

Unit 8 – Ancient Chinese Art & Craftsmanship

Unit 9 – Early Chinese Writing: Origins and Evolution

Unit 10 – Ancient China: Religion and Rituals

Unit 11 – Ancient China: Trade & Cultural Exchange

Unit 12 – Ancient China: Key Sites and Discoveries

## What do you learn in The Archaeology of Ancient China

You'll explore ancient Chinese civilizations through archaeological evidence. The course covers major dynasties, burial practices, artifact analysis, and excavation techniques. You'll learn about bronze-age cultures, the development of writing systems, and the evolution of Chinese society. It's all about piecing together the puzzle of China's past using material remains.

## Is The Archaeology of Ancient China hard?

It can be challenging, but it's not impossible. There's a lot of memorization involved - dates, dynasties, and artifact types. The toughest part is often connecting the dots between different archaeological finds and historical events. But if you're into history and don't mind getting your hands dirty (metaphorically), you'll probably find it pretty interesting.

## Tips for taking The Archaeology of Ancient China in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Create a timeline of Chinese dynasties to visualize the chronology
3. Practice identifying pottery styles and bronze vessel types
4. Watch documentaries on recent excavations in China for context
5. Join a study group to discuss interpretations of archaeological findings
6. Check out "The Cambridge Illustrated History of China" for extra reading
7. Visit a local museum with Chinese artifacts if possible

## Common pre-requisites for The Archaeology of Ancient China

1. Introduction to Archaeology: This course covers basic archaeological methods and theories. You'll learn about excavation techniques, dating methods, and how to interpret material culture.

2. World History: A broad overview of global historical events and civilizations. It provides context for understanding ancient China's place in world history and its interactions with other cultures.

## Classes similar to The Archaeology of Ancient China

1. East Asian Art History: Explores the artistic traditions of China, Japan, and Korea. You'll study paintings, sculptures, and architecture from ancient times to the present.

2. Ancient Chinese Philosophy: Delves into the thoughts of Confucius, Laozi, and other influential Chinese thinkers. It's a great way to understand the ideological foundations of ancient Chinese society.

3. Anthropology of East Asia: Examines the cultural practices and social structures of East Asian societies. You'll learn about kinship systems, religious beliefs, and cultural changes over time.

4. Historical Linguistics of Chinese: Traces the development of the Chinese language from its earliest forms. You'll study ancient inscriptions and the evolution of Chinese characters.

## Majors related to The Archaeology of Ancient China

1. Archaeology: Focuses on studying human history through the excavation and analysis of artifacts and physical remains. Students learn field methods, lab techniques, and theoretical approaches to interpreting the past.

2. East Asian Studies: Provides a comprehensive understanding of East Asian cultures, languages, and histories. Students often specialize in a specific country or region while gaining a broad perspective on the area.

3. Anthropology: Examines human cultures and societies across time and space. Students learn about cultural practices, social structures, and human evolution, often with a focus on fieldwork and research methods.

4. Art History: Involves the study of visual arts and material culture throughout history. Students learn to analyze and interpret artworks in their historical and cultural contexts.

## What can you do with a degree in The Archaeology of Ancient China?

1. Museum Curator: Manages collections, organizes exhibitions, and conducts research on artifacts. You might specialize in East Asian or Chinese collections, working to preserve and present cultural heritage.

2. Cultural Resource Manager: Protects and preserves archaeological sites and historical resources. This role often involves working with government agencies or private firms to ensure compliance with heritage preservation laws.

3. Archaeologist: Conducts excavations, analyzes artifacts, and interprets findings to understand past societies. You could work on digs in China or other parts of the world, or in a lab setting analyzing archaeological data.

4. University Professor: Teaches courses on archaeology, ancient China, or related subjects at the college level. This role also involves conducting research and publishing findings in academic journals.

## The Archaeology of Ancient China FAQs

1. Do I need to know Chinese to take this course? While knowing Chinese can be helpful, it's not usually required. Most courses use English translations for primary sources and archaeological reports.

2. Will we go on any field trips? Some courses might include visits to museums or local archaeological sites, but it depends on your specific program and location.

3. How much writing is involved in this class? Expect to write several papers analyzing archaeological evidence and interpreting historical contexts. You might also have to prepare site reports or artifact analyses.

Anthropology

Archaeology

1.4 Neolithic settlements and villages

1.2 Neolithic agricultural revolution

1.5 Transition from foraging to farming

1.3 Neolithic pottery and ceramics

1.1 Paleolithic stone tool technology

2.1 Legendary origins of the Xia dynasty

2.3 Early bronze metallurgy

2.2 Archaeological evidence for the Xia dynasty

3.4 Shang dynasty royal tombs

3.5 Shang dynasty warfare and weapons

3.2 Oracle bone inscriptions

3.3 Shang dynasty bronze casting

3.1 Shang dynasty cities and urban planning

4.2 Zhou dynasty feudal system

4.1 Western and Eastern Zhou periods

4.3 Zhou dynasty philosophy and literature

4.5 Zhou dynasty ritual bronzes

4.4 Zhou dynasty iron metallurgy

5.2 Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang

5.1 Qin dynasty unification of China

5.4 Great Wall of China construction

5.3 Qin dynasty standardization and reforms

6.3 Han dynasty tombs and burial practices

6.5 Han dynasty Confucianism and state ideology

6.1 Han dynasty expansion and trade

6.4 Han dynasty ceramics and pottery

6.2 Silk Road trade routes

7.1 Excavation methods and techniques

7.2 Dating methods (radiocarbon, thermoluminescence)

7.4 Remote sensing and geophysical prospection

7.3 Artifact analysis and conservation

7.5 Zooarchaeology and paleoethnobotany

8.2 Bronze casting techniques

8.3 Lacquerware and woodworking

8.5 Chinese painting and calligraphy

8.4 Silk textiles and embroidery

8.1 Jade carving and symbolism

9.1 Oracle bone script

9.4 Clerical script

9.5 Evolution of Chinese characters

9.2 Bronze inscription script

9.3 Seal script

10.1 Ancestor worship and veneration

10.2 Shamanism and divination

10.3 Confucianism and state rituals

10.4 Daoism and religious practices

10.5 Funerary rites and burial customs

11.1 Trade with Central Asian nomads

11.2 Interaction with ancient Japan and Korea

11.3 Maritime trade with Southeast Asia

11.4 Cultural exchange with Indian Buddhism

11.5 Tributary system and diplomacy

12.1 Banpo Neolithic village

12.2 Erlitou Xia dynasty site

12.3 Yinxu Shang dynasty capital

12.4 Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang

12.5 Mawangdui Han dynasty tombs

Browse all Archaeology of Ancient China Key Terms

About Us

Resources

Stay Connected

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

About Us

Resources

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

Back

Next