Chapter 1 – Qin Shi Huang’s Early Life and the Road to Power
Discover Qin Shi Huang’s early life, from his birth in the state of Zhao and rise to the Qin throne to the political struggles that helped him secure power before unifying China.
Introduction to Qin and the Terracotta Army
Discover Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of unified China, and the history behind the Terracotta Army. Explore the Qin Dynasty, the emperor’s mausoleum, and the archaeological discoveries that reveal the world of ancient China.
Chapter 4 – The Birth of Imperial China
Discover how Qin conquered the Warring States, unified China in 221 BCE, and established the centralized imperial system that shaped Chinese history for centuries.
Chapter 3 – The Disintegration of Royal Power
Explore how Zhou royal power declined during the Eastern Zhou, as powerful regional states, military competition, new forms of government, and emerging philosophies transformed ancient China.
Chapter 2 – The Shang and Zhou Dynasties and the Rise of Royal Power
Explore the Shang and Zhou Dynasties, from Bronze Age China and oracle-bone writing to the rise of Zhou rule, the Mandate of Heaven, and the changing power of ancient Chinese kings.
Chapter 1 – Chinese Lands and the Birth of China
Explore the origins of Chinese civilization, from prehistoric settlements and Neolithic cultures to the legendary rulers, Xia Dynasty, and rise of early states in ancient China.
Taoism and the Chinese Way of Living: Nature, Balance, and Simplicity
Explore Taoism and the Chinese way of living through ideas of nature, balance, simplicity, wu wei, yin and yang, and living with less resistance.
Qin and the Terracotta Army
Explore the rise of the Qin Empire, the life and legacy of Qin Shi Huang, and the remarkable Terracotta Army. Discover the history, people, military, craftsmanship, and archaeological wonders of ancient China.
Confucius and Chinese Thought: The Ideas That Shaped Chinese Culture
Explore Confucius and Chinese thought through ideas of education, family, morality, social relationships, harmony, and the ideal of becoming a better person.
Introduction to Ancient China
Discover the history of ancient China, from the Shang and Zhou dynasties to the Qin and Han empires. Explore the origins of Chinese civilization, its rulers, philosophies, society, culture, and remarkable achievements.
Ancient China
Explore Ancient China from the Shang Dynasty to the fall of the Han. Discover the dynasties, people, society, culture, and innovations that shaped Chinese civilization.
The Five Emperors of Ancient China: Huangdi, Yao, and Shun
Explore the legendary Five Emperors of ancient China—Huangdi, Zhuanxu, Emperor Ku, Yao, and Shun—and discover the stories behind the formation of early Chinese civilization.