Questions About the Zhou Dynasty

Dear 6th graders,

Please begin class by reading pages 166 to 171 in Ancient Civilizations. After you have finished reading carefully, please answer the following questions on looseleaf paper:

1. After the Zhou dynasty took power from the Shang dynasty, do you think that the members of the Zhou family ever asked the Shang family for advice? Why or why not?

2. Did the Zhou dynasty start before or after Pharaoh Hatshepsut ruled over Egypt?  [You'll have to look back to the chapter about ancient Egypt to answer this question!]

3. Compare the "Zhou Society" chart on page 167 with the "Egyptian Society" chart on page 91. What were two similarities between the structure of social classes in ancient China and ancient Egypt?  What were two differences between the structure of social classes in ancient China and ancient Egypt?

4. How did the lords help the Zhou king keep power over a large number of Chinese people?

5. Look at the picture on page 168. What are two interesting or surprising details from this picture?

6. The caption on page 168 states that "Horses were now ridden instead of just being used to pull chariots." Why do you think a solider riding a horse is more dangerous than a soldier who is being pulled in a cart (a chariot) behind a horse?

7. According to the reading, what did Confucius want for China?

8. According to Confucius, what are two characteristics of an effective leader?

9. Page 170 states that "Daoists believed that people should avoid interfering with nature or each other. They should be like water and simply let things flow in a natural way." Do you agree or disagree that people should "be like water"?  Why or why not? Your answer should be at least 2 complete sentences.