China is very old. Its written history goes back 3,500 years.
In 221 B.C., when European kingdoms and states were still fighting each other, one of China’s first great rulers was bringing rival states together as a great empire. It grew under the watchful eyes of more than a dozen ruling families, or dynasties. They ruled for over 2,000 years. Their power lasted from 221 B.C. to A.D. 1912. The empire ended in 1912 when the last emperor stepped down.
During the time of the empire, the people of China accomplished a lot. They invented printing, gunpowder, fireworks, the compass, and kites. Chinese workers built the world’s longest wall and its longest canal. From studying the eating habits of tiny caterpillars, the Chinese learned the secrets of silk-making. From a soggy blend of old rags, bark, and bamboo, they made paper. The list of Chinese achievements is long.
Let’s find out more about these people and their empire.
