Grade 6 · Social Studies · Lesson 5

Ancient China and early dynasties

A fourth great river-valley civilization rose far to the east, in what is today China. Chinese civilization began along the Yellow River around 2000 BCE and grew to become the longest continuous civilization on Earth — Chinese culture, writing, and traditions have flowed without a break for nearly 4,000 years. China was ruled by a long sequence of dynasties, or ruling families, each of which shaped the country in lasting ways.

What this lesson teaches

1Locate ancient China along the Yellow River and the Yangtze River
2Name the early Chinese dynasties and one major contribution of each
3Explain the idea of the Mandate of Heaven and how it justified Chinese rule
4Describe the building of the Great Wall and the importance of silk

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