history-assignment-2021

[history-assignment-2021]

Be transported in time by clicking this link to see the ancient architecture of the Qin and Han Dynasties. 

[history-assignment-2021]

The Han dynasty held many great inventions that changed the world. The first is the invention of paper, but they also invented the wheel barrow, adjustable wrenches, suspension bridges and more. See the link below for more details and pictures!

https://www.history.com/news/han-dynasty-inventions

[history-assignment-2021]

Interesting fact: The Han Dynasty saw the creation of the first ever stone tomb sculpture.

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https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/640945

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Pictured are some examples of Han Dynasty architecture. Notice the large overhangs and ornamental style! We can see a house with a courtyard and granary. Also note the organized animal pens, a mill, and well-head and bucket and a square duck pond.

(These are earthenware with green lead glaze.)

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Notice their apparel and colors they used to paint with. Notice their hair style and hair accessories. Notice the specific folds of their collars. Notice their simple makeup here. What do you suppose the one lady on the right is holding? Do you think they were related?�� 

[history-assignment-2021]

Here are some examples of the art produced during the Han Dynasty. These are sculptures depicting every-day life during the Han Dynasty. From playing games, to dancing and playing instruments, to keeping life-stock regulated, to making small models of architecture- the Han Dynasty art gives us all glimpses into their ancient world and practices! After the repressive censorship of the Qin Dynasty before them, the Han Dynasty quickly saw a rise in new forms of writing like calligraphy and new forms of ink, paper, and silk to write on. They also covered everything in art, and often depicted stories in their pictures that were painted on walls, figures, and burials walls. Although not much stands from this dynasty, their art and preserved writings are invaluable peeks at their culture.

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The Qin Dynasty came right before the Han Dynasty. Here we can see ways that this dynasty influenced the Han Dynasty’s political system. Interestingly, the Han Dynasty became a bureaucracy in which different territories were slit up and ruled by paid officials... But the Han Dynasty inherited an oppressed people and weakened culture. The Qin Dynasty savagely censored its citizens by book-burning and making a writing system designed to erase dissent, which negatively affected cultural expression. The Han Dynasty, however, kept detailed records and encouraged notating legacies like music, dance and architecture. This preserved and grew Chinese culture thankfully. 

[history-assignment-2021]

This is Liu Bang, also respectfully titled Emperor Gaozu of Han, founder of the Han Dynasty. He lived in the third century BCE. He established ways of rule that influenced more peace and growth than those before. He expanded territories and welcomed those he conquered into his kingdom rather than persecute them. The Han Dynasty was globalizing for this and other reasons like encouraging trade within and outside the territories, spreading belief systems and having representation for citizens. 

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Here we see the ancient Han Dynasty, the second greatest Chinese dynasty and one of the most successful dynasties in China’s history.