Chapters 1-4 Unit I Lesson 4 Notes: Classical Empires of the East

The Maurya (Mou-ree-uh) Dynasty of India

Asoka, grandson of Chandragupta, founder of

Maurya Dynasty

• Asoka most honored emperor of India• converts to Buddhism elevating it to the state religion• rejects violence (against people & animals)• rules by moral example

• sends missionaries across India & Sri Lanka• tolerant of all other religions• brings peace, prosperity• built stone pillars across India with carved edicts or laws

• built hospitals, Buddhist shrines, roads, with traveler-comforts across empire

• after Asoka’s Maurya Dynasty’s power declined by 185 B.C.; followed 500 years later by…

The Gupta (Goop-tuh) Dynasty of India

The Gupta Leads the

Golden Age of India

• devised simple math system of writing numbers • called “Arabic” numerals today• originated concept of zero

• developed decimal system of numbers based on 10• surgeons set bones & repaired injuries• introduced smallpox vaccinations not seen in Europe for another 1000 years

• built magnificent Hindu temples• Buddhists built splendid stupas (large domed shrines) with elaborately carved gateways that told stories of the life of the Buddha • artists painted rich murals depicting varied social classes

• rich Indian literature collected & recorded fables & folktales in Sanskrit that were carried west to Persia, Egypt, & Greece• classical, intricate Indian dance based on the state religion of Hinduism• decline by weak rulers, civil war, & invasion by central Asian nomadic White Huns who destroyed everything in their path

CLASSICAL CHINA

PHILOSOPHIES

Confucianism:• philosophy to ensure social order, good government, & harmony supported by 5 key relationships among people with proper behavior based on filial piety

"Never impose on others what you would not choose

for yourself."

Legalism:• philosophy emphasizing strict laws & harsh punishments• autocratic rule “wielding it like lightning or like thunder”• official policy of the Qin emperor [to follow]

Han Feizi - 280 B.C. – 233 B.C.

Daoism:• philosophy that encouraged harmony with nature rejecting conflict & strife• the best kind of government is one that governs least

Buddhism:• originally from India• emphasized personal salvation by appealing to followers with its promise of escape from suffering through prayer, good works, & devotion

DYNASTIC EMPIRES OF CHINA

Zhou (Jo) Dynasty 1100 B.C. – 260 B.C.• justified its rule by the Mandate of Heaven

Qin (Chin) Dynasty221 B.C. – 210 B.C.• unified China• ushered in China’s classical era • built the Great Wall to protect itself from invaders• practiced Legalism

Han (Hahn) Dynasty200 B.C. – A.D. 200• kept China unified for 400 years • established trade along the Silk Road supporting a cultural diffusion of ideas and customs• introduced Buddhism to China