The Birth of China - Hunters on the Yellow River (20000 BCE to 7000 BCE)
China's imperial system, which lasted over two millennia, ended in 1911 with the Xinhai Revolution. Before this, China had a rich history, including the building of the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. However, even before the imperial era, Chinese civilization was very old, with early complex societies developing from hunter-gatherer groups. This early period, often called prehistory, saw people slowly adopt agriculture and settled living, especially in eastern China around the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers. Early evidence shows hunter-gatherers using tools like microblades and developing pottery, which is some of the oldest in the world. As the climate changed, these groups began to stay in one place longer and started to domesticate plants like millet and rice, and animals like dogs. These changes led to the rise of early villages and set the stage for the later development of more complex societies and eventually the imperial dynasties.
Key Vocabulary
A natural earth pigment, typically yellow, brown, or reddish-brown, often used in ancient times for artistic expression or as a coating.
Examples:
- The artist mixed the red ochre with water to create a vibrant paint for the cave wall.
- Archaeologists discovered ancient burials where the bones of the deceased were covered in a layer of yellow ochre.
- The warm hue of the ochre-colored clay pots blended seamlessly with the desert landscape.
Isolated from public view; quiet and private; not easily accessible or frequently visited.
Examples:
- The small cabin was nestled in a secluded forest, far from the noise of the city.
- She preferred to work in a secluded study, where she could concentrate without interruptions.
- The secluded beach offered a perfect escape for those seeking peace and solitude.
A black powdery or flaky substance consisting largely of amorphous carbon, produced by the incomplete burning of organic matter.
Examples:
- The chimney sweep's clothes were covered in black soot from years of cleaning.
- After the campfire, the bottom of the cooking pot was caked with soot.
- The old factory building was stained with decades of industrial soot.
Relating to the early Stone Age, characterized by the development of stone tools and hunting and gathering as a primary means of subsistence.
Examples:
- Paleolithic humans lived a nomadic lifestyle, following animal herds for food.
- Discoveries of ancient cave paintings provide valuable insights into Paleolithic art.
- The study of Paleolithic artifacts helps us understand the technological advancements of early human societies.
The process of shaping stone by striking it with another stone or tool, used to create sharp edges for tools and weapons.
Examples:
- The ancient craftsman demonstrated the intricate art of flint knapping, creating a sharp arrowhead.
- Archaeologists often find evidence of stone knapping workshops at early human settlement sites.
- Through careful knapping, early humans could produce versatile cutting tools from obsidian.
An object propelled through the air, especially one thrown as a weapon.
Examples:
- The hunter used a spear as a projectile weapon to bring down his prey.
- Ancient slingers were skilled at launching small stones as effective projectiles.
- The engineer designed a new type of projectile that could travel farther with greater accuracy.
Aquatic invertebrates with a shell, such as mollusks and crustaceans, often consumed as food.
Examples:
- The coastal community relied heavily on shellfish as a primary food source.
- At the seafood market, a wide variety of fresh shellfish was available.
- Eating raw shellfish can pose health risks if not handled properly.
A large phylum of invertebrate animals, many of which have shells, including snails, clams, and octopuses.
Examples:
- The tide pools were teeming with various marine molluscs, including colorful sea slugs.
- Fossilized molluscs provide important clues about ancient marine environments.
- Some types of molluscs are known for producing pearls.
A type of sorghum grown for its long, stiff, branched panicles, which are used to make brooms.
Examples:
- The farmer cultivated a field of broomcorn, knowing its stalks would be valuable for broom manufacturing.
- Traditional brooms are often made from the durable fibers of broomcorn.
- The tall, feathery plumes of the broomcorn added a unique texture to the autumn landscape.
A radioactive isotope of carbon (carbon-14) used in radiocarbon dating to determine the age of organic materials.
Examples:
- Radiocarbon dating of the ancient wooden artifact confirmed its age to be over 5,000 years.
- Scientists use radiocarbon analysis to study climate change by examining old plant remains.
- The discovery of new bone fragments necessitated further radiocarbon testing to establish their precise age.
To reach the highest point or final stage of development, often bringing something to a conclusion.
Examples:
- Years of hard work and dedication culminated in her successful completion of the marathon.
- The tensions between the two factions were expected to culminate in a decisive confrontation.
- The series of small earthquakes culminated in a major tremor that shook the entire region.
A long, narrow ditch dug in the ground, often for defensive purposes, drainage, or as a boundary.
Examples:
- The soldiers dug a deep trench to protect themselves from enemy fire.
- A drainage trench was dug around the house to prevent water from accumulating near the foundation.
- Archaeologists carefully excavated the ancient settlement, revealing a complex system of trenches.
Given a name or nickname; called by a particular name.
Examples:
- The new bridge was quickly dubbed 'The Skyway' by local residents due to its impressive height.
- He was dubbed 'The Silent Guardian' by his colleagues because of his quiet but watchful nature.
- The small, isolated village was dubbed 'The End of the World' by adventurous travelers.
Past participle of 'sow,' meaning to plant seeds by scattering them on the ground or in the soil, or to implant or introduce something.
Examples:
- The farmer had sown the wheat seeds in early spring, hoping for a bountiful harvest.
- Seeds of doubt were sown among the team members, leading to a decline in morale.
- The intricate embroidery was sown onto the fabric with meticulous care.
A mark left by a foot or shoe; also, the impact or effect that something has, especially on the environment or a system.
Examples:
- The detective found a clear footprint in the mud near the crime scene.
- The company aimed to reduce its carbon footprint by investing in renewable energy.
- The new software had a surprisingly small digital footprint, requiring minimal storage space.
A feeling of dissatisfaction or unhappiness with one's circumstances or with the way things are.
Examples:
- The workers' discontent with their low wages led to a series of protests.
- There was widespread public discontent regarding the new policy.
- Her quiet discontent with the slow pace of progress was evident in her expressions.
Spreading out over a large area in an untidy or irregular way.
Examples:
- The sprawling city extended for miles in every direction, with neighborhoods blending into one another.
- The old oak tree had sprawling branches that provided ample shade in the summer.
- The artist's studio was a sprawling space filled with canvases, paints, and sculptures.
Able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities.
Examples:
- The new multi-tool was incredibly versatile, capable of performing various tasks from cutting to tightening screws.
- She was a versatile actress, equally comfortable in comedic and dramatic roles.
- The chef praised the versatility of the ingredient, noting its ability to enhance both sweet and savory dishes.
The craft or process of making tools, especially by hand or using traditional methods.
Examples:
- The discovery of ancient workshops provided evidence of sophisticated toolmaking techniques.
- Early human societies demonstrated remarkable ingenuity in their toolmaking skills.
- The art of toolmaking has evolved significantly throughout human history, from stone implements to complex machinery.
A small item of jewelry or an ornament that is of little value; a small, inexpensive, and often decorative object.
Examples:
- She kept a small collection of sentimental trinkets on her dresser.
- The old chest contained various forgotten trinkets from her grandmother's travels.
- He bought a cheap trinket as a souvenir from the tourist shop.