The

1
The Classical Era in the East
2
The Empires of India
3
The Aryan Invasion

• Indus River Valley Civilization suddenly
  collapsed.
• The people living in region were then conquered
  by the Aryans.
• Aryans came from Central Asia arriving in India
  about 1,500 B.C.
• Aryans were nomadic people.
• By 900 B.C. Aryans had formed city-states ruled
  by its own ruler.
• They developed their own form of writing, known
  as Sanskrit.

4
Hinduism

• The Aryans also brought a new religion to India,
  known as Hinduism.

Gods. Hindus believe that there are many gods and
goddesses. Each of these gods, however, is a
manifestation (form) of one Supreme Being.
Reincarnation. Hindus believe that at death, a
persons soul is reborn as another living thing.
This creates an endless cycle of rebirth for each
soul.
MAJOR BELIEFS OF HINDUISM
Karma. Karma refers to a persons behavior in
life, which Hindus believe determines that
persons form in the next life. People who live a
good life will be reborn in a higher caste. Those
who do not are reborn in a lower caste.
Sacred objects. Hindus believe the Ganges River
is sacred and has the power to wash away sin and
evil. The cow is also considered sacred, and
religious Hindus do not eat beef.
5
The Caste System
A social system divided by occupation and money
6
Buddhism
Basic Philosophy. Buddhism is based on a
philosophy of self-denial and mediation. Buddhist
also believe in reincarnation.
God and Holy Books. Buddhist do not believe in a
single Supreme Being (God). They also do not have
a primary holy book. Their basic beliefs are
found in books called Sutras.
MAJOR BELIEFS OF BUDDHISM
Eightfold Path. To give up selfish human desires,
Buddhist believe one should follow this path
have the right goals, have the right
perspectives, be aware, act in a worthy manner,
speak truthfully, live righteously, respect all
living things, and meditate.
Four Noble Truths. These truths explain lifes
meaning. They explain that pain and suffering is
caused by human desires, such as the desire for
material wealth and selfish pleasures. Only by
giving up wrongful desires can a person find
peace and harmony.
Nirvana. By following the Eightfold Path, an
individual can escape the souls endless
reincarnations and achieve nirvana state of
eternal peace and bliss.
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The Spread of Buddhism
8
The Mauryan Empire (about 320 B.C. 232 B.C.)

• King Chandragupta challenged the Greeks and
  established the powerful Mauryan Empire in India.
  
• Created a bureaucracy (system that runs a govt
  and ran a centralized system-all cities report to
  one location and all laws come from one location
• Asoka (269 B.C. 231 B.C.) was the next great
  ruler of India.
• converted to Buddhism, peace and prosperity
  roads, hospitals, laws, shrines empire declined
  at death

9
The Gupta Empire (320 A.D. 535 A.D.)

• 500 years of invasions after Mauryan
• Gupta Empire AD 320-550
• Golden Age devised Arabic number system,
  decimal system, concept of zero, vaccines against
  smallpox, architecture (stupas)
• Declined due to weak rulers, civil war, and
  foreign invaders

10
The Dynasties of China
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Dynastic Cycle in China
Strong dynasty established peace and prosperity
it is considered to have Mandate of Heaven.
The new dynasty gains power, restore peace and
order, and claims to have Mandate of Heaven
In time, dynasty declines and becomes corrupt
taxes are raised power grows weaker.
ROLE OF MANDATE OF HEAVEN
Disasters such as floods, famines, and invasions
occur.
Dynasty is overthrown through rebellion and
bloodshed a new dynasty emerges.
Old dynasty is seen as having lost Mandate of
Heaven rebellion is justified.
12
Confucianism
Natural Order. There is a natural order to the
universe and to human relationships. Each person
has a role in society, which reflects his or her
position in the universe.
Role of Each Person. Each persons social role
brings a number of obligations. If everyone
fulfills these roles by meeting their
obligations, people and society will be in
harmony.
MAJOR BELIEFS OF CONFUCIANSIM
Relationships. In each relationship, there is a
superior and an inferior. The superior must show
love and responsibility, while the inferior must
show loyalty and obedience.
Mandate of Heaven. If the ruler benefits his
people and provides them with food and
protection, then the people will obey their
ruler, who will continue to hold the Mandate of
Heaven (right to rule).
13
Zhou Dynasty (1027 B.C. 221 B.C.)

• In 1027 B.C. the Shang (RVC) were conquered,
  marking the beginning of the Zhou Dynasty.
• New Ruler claims his Mandate of Heaven
• The greatest legacy of the Zhou Dynasty was the
  work of two Chinese philosophers, Confucius and
  Lao Tzu (Daoism-respect for nature and harmony
  and accept things as they are, not change them)

14
Qin Dynasty 221 B.C. 206 B.C.)

• Qin Dynasty
• Shi Huangdi
• Abolished feudalism set up military districts
• Harsh Legalism
• Standardized weights and measures
• Improved transportation canals, roads
• Began building The Great Wall to keep invaders
  out
• Collapse of Qin
• Shi Huangdis death
• Revolts over high taxes, forced labor, and cruel
  policies
• Liu Bang claimed Mandate of Heaven

15
Han Dynasty (206 B.C. 220 A.D.)

• Wudi most famous emperor
• Expanded the empire
• Built the Silk Road new foods cucumbers,
  grapes, walnuts from western Asia 4000 miles to
  Fertile Crescent
• Confucianism
• Civil service exam

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Han Dynasty Cont.

• Golden Age
• Science books on chemistry, zoology, astronomy,
  simple seismograph
• Medicine acupuncture
• Technology inventions-paper, iron stirrups,
  rudder, wheelbarrows, suspension bridges