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Saturday 5 April 2014

China (Ancient)

China was named after Qin Shi Huang, who became the first emperor of China in 221 BC and was a tyranny responsible for the first version of the Great Wall and Terracotta Army, as well as the deaths of thousands of scholars whom he buried alive to stop them preaching the works of Confucius.

Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China

Qin Shi Huang died on September 10, 210 BC while on a tour to Eastern China due to trying to eat too much mercury – which he thought was the key to immortality.

Afraid that news of his death would cause a revolt, his trusted advisers transported his body back to his palace among barrels of rotten fish, to mask the smell.

After the death of Qin Shi Huangdi, his second oldest son Qin Er Shi forged a letter in the emperor's name, stating that the eldest son is to commit suicide and the second oldest son would become emperor. That plan worked.

The coronation ceremony of Liu Bang as Emperor Gaozu of Han took place on February 28, 202 BC, initiating four centuries of the Han Dynasty's rule over China.

Emperor Gaozu of Han dynasty.

During the 400 years of the Han Dynasty of China, dogs were portrayed in many pieces of pottery. These were effigy pieces that symbolized the burial of favored dogs with their masters.

The Ancient Chinese dined on rich stews of meat and vegetables accompanied by fluffy grains of millet that they steamed over the stew. They had little use for the foreign cereal, wheat, which had been brought to China by travellers from the west. For them, it was the food for the miserably poor or as a last resort when stores are running low.

Toy dogs were also popular among the ancient Chinese: the little animals were used to provide warmth when carried in the wide sleeves of their gowns.

The Han dynasty was briefly interrupted on January 10, 9AD, when  the throne was usurped by Wang Mang, who founded the Xin dynasty. The Han dynasty was re-established on August 5, 25AD when Guangwu of Han claimed the title of emperor. The dynasty is thus separated into two periods—the Western Han (202 BC – 9 AD) and the Eastern Han (25–220 AD).

The Ancient Chinese were aware of the Roman Empire and even attempted to make contact around 97AD.

Sources Food For Thought by Ed Pearce, Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia © 1998 The Learning Company, Inc.

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