GLOSSARY

acupuncture

A traditional Chinese practice of inserting needles at certain points on the body to alleviate pain or other ailments.

calligraphy

A type of script writing considered an art form in ancient China.

canal

A manmade waterway used for transportation.

Communist

A form of government in which the government owns the means of production.

concubine

A mistress.

Confucianism

A philosophy in ancient China based on the teachings of Confucius.

dynasty

A family that controls a country for a long period of time through successive rulers.

feng shui

In ancient China, a way of studying the spiritual and physical conditions before building a structure or choosing a burial site.

jade

A green stone often used to make jewelry and other goods.

mass production

The process of making something in large quantities.

millet

An ancient grass grown in northern China; its seeds were a food staple.

Neolithic

The era of ancient history when stone tools were common.

nomad

A person who travels from place to place to find food and resources, rather than living permanently in one area.

oracle

A person believed able to communicate with the gods and ancestors and relay their advice or messages.

pagoda

A type of tower with many stories and a spire on the top.

Taoism

An ancient Chinese philosophy based on the teachings of Laozi.