Discover Ancient China

Confucius, the Great Wall, silk, oracle bones, writing, and paper are among the topics explored here. This book starts with Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi's life size terracotta army of soldiers, chariots, and horses. The photographs show the army as it looks today and in the broken disarray of its discovery. The following chapters deal with early development, early dynasties, the unification of China, and the achievements, gifts, and inventions of the ancient Chinese.

Read about ancient Chinese life and the people of ancient China.

In this comprehensive volume dedicated to ancient Chinese civilization, upper elementary–level readers will learn the different dynasties of ancient China, the memorable leaders that spearheaded them, and the lasting influences each period had on civilizations to follow. Readers will learn about the oldest examples of Chinese writing, which ruler was responsible for completing the Great Wall, and the cultural context in which Confucius became a prominent philosopher, among other fascinating details. These ancient Chinese contributions—all still well known today—constitute only a few of the aspects of ancient China waiting to be discovered.

An informative account of the more than 7,000-year-old civilization of China including insights into the individuals who helped shape this country.

Qin Shi Huangdi, the First Emperor of China, was a man of incredible contrasts. He was a visionary leader who united all of China’s warring kingdoms into one unified country, thus paving the way for the modern Chinese nation. He developed a national currency, a standard writing style, and a road network that stitched the country together. Yet he was also evil and cruel. He burned books, imposed harsh taxes, and killed thousands of people. The story of Qin Shi Huangdi brackets the story of ancient China emerging into modern times. It’s a story of a country whose discoveries, such as silk, tea and the iron plow, had a significant impact on the entire world but whose people lived simply, unaware of their vast influence. Although the story of Qin Shi Huangdi ended with his unusual death, China’s story was just beginning.

Along China's Yellow River, a mighty and technologically advanced civilization grew and flourished for thousands of years without any contact from the rest of the world. Life in Ancient China explores the daily lives of early the Chinese people, profiles the great dynasties that ruled China over the centuries, and introduces important religious and philosophical contributions, such as Confucianism, Daosim, and Buddhism. Enduring Chinese innovations, such as writing, papermaking, and The Great Wall are also featured.

Illus. with full-color photos. From the earliest dynasty to the last emperor, watch 3,000 years of splendor come alive in this colorful chronicle of the civilization that's given us everything from gunpowder to dim sum.

Audisee® eBooks with Audio combine professional narration and text highlighting for an engaging read aloud experience! Have you ever worn silk? Eaten Rice? Used a calendar? All these things came from ancient China. More than two thousand years ago, the ancient Chinese invented tools and treasures that still shape our lives. Find out where the ancient Chinese lived, what their lives were like, and what happened to them. Discover how they changed the world!