Page 32 - China

Glossary

archaeologists—people who study the past through artifacts

artifacts—objects made by people in past times
barbarians—term used for anyone who was not of Chinese descent

Buddhism—religion that believes that there is suffering in life and you can find
a middle ground to escape the suffering
civil war—war between people living in the same country
civilizations—societies that have writing and keep track of records

communist—person who believes that everyone should share belongings
and the government should control production
dynasties—family groups that maintain control or power for many generations

emperors—leaders of a dynasty or rulers of an empire
ethnic—relating to people from a similar race, country, or background

hereditary—passed down from family members through the generations
oracle bones—early writings created by people in China; writings were on bones
and shells of animals
philosophy—belief system or ideas

rebellions—fights against the people in control
republic—a type of government that is led by an elected president or leader who
is not a monarch

seismograph—instrument for measuring and recording the vibrations of the earth
terra-cotta—baked-clay materials used to make tools, statues, and pottery
during early Chinese history
textile—cloth or fibers used to make cloth

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