key justification for Chinese imperial rule from the Zhou dynasty and onward; traditional Chinese philosophical concept concerning the legitimacy of rulers : western China philosopher who wrote an elaborate statement on political ethics, providing the core of China's distinctive political image during the elate 6th century and early 5th century B

1. Mandate of Heaven

key justification for Chinese imperial rule from the Zhou dynasty and onward; traditional Chinese philosophical concept concerning the legitimacy of rulers

2. Confucius

: western China philosopher who wrote an elaborate statement on political ethics, providing the core of China's distinctive political image during the elate 6th century and early 5th century B.C.E.; Chinese philosopher that is credited with having authored/edited many of the Chines classic texts including all of the Five Classics; believed in family loyalty, respect in elders and in children, and ancestor worship; made early version of Golden rule

3. Great Wall

Chinese defensive fortification intended to keep out the nomadic invaders from the North; initiated during the Win dynasty and reign of Shi Huangdi; extends over 3000 miles; wide enough for chariots to move along its crest

4. Silk Road

the most famous of the trading routes established by the pastoral nomads cone connecting the Chinese, India, Persian, & Mediterranean civilizations; transmitted goods and ideas among civilizations

5. Alexander the Great

successor of Philip II; successfully conquered Persian Empire prior to his death; attempted to combine Greek and Persian cultures; invaded India

6. Himalayas

mountain region marking the northern border of the Indian subcontinent; site of the Aryan settlements that formed small kingdoms or warrior republics

7. Monsoon

seasonal winds crossing India subcontinent and southeast Asia; during summer, it brings rain

8. Aryan

Indo-European nomadic pastoralists who replaced Harappa civilization; militarized society

9. Sanskrit

the classical & sacred Indian language

10. Vedas

Aryan hymns originally transmitted orally but written in sacred books from 6th century B.C.E.