Article
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: An Introduction to the Ming Dynasty (1368 1644)

For Students 9th - 10th
The Ming dynasty (1368-1644) arose following a series of natural disasters that hit China during the early and middle 1300s, adding to the misery of a people under the harsh rule of the Mongol Yuan dynasty (1279-1368). In 1368 rebel...
Article
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Technology During the Ming Dynasty (1368 1644)

For Students 9th - 10th
Scientific investigation also lagged, and by the end of the Ming dynasty China was importing weaponry and weapon technologies from Europe, where shipbuilding and navigational skills had become more advanced. The developments that did...
Article
Other

China Highlights: Ming Dynasty

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn all about the rise and fall of China's Ming Dynasty. Its origins are discussed from the fall of the Yuan Dynasty to the rise of rebel army leader Zhu Yuanzhang. Yuanzhang's battles and his rise to Emperor status are also touched...
Article
Other

New World Encyclopedia: Ming Dynasty

For Students 9th - 10th
The history of China's Ming Dynasty is discussed in detail. Its origins, government, military conquests, achievements and eventual decline are covered.
Article
Other

Asia Society: Chinese Trade in the Indian Ocean

For Students 9th - 10th
This essay provides background information regarding China's Ming Dynasty as well as an explanation for the importance of trade during this period in history.
Article
Other

Totally History: Ming Dynasty Economy

For Students 9th - 10th
This article provides a description of the Chinese Ming Dynasty's economy. It was during this period of time in history that China made large improvements in technology, agriculture, trade and manufacturing.
Article
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: The Forbidden City

For Students 9th - 10th
The Forbidden City is a large precinct of red walls and yellow glazed roof tiles located in the heart of China's capital, Beijing. As its name suggests, the precinct is a micro-city in its own right. This article describes the...
Article
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Covered Jar With Fish in Lotus Pond

For Students 9th - 10th
This piece, from the Avery Brundage Collection of the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, illustrates a method of polychrome decoration in which painting, as well as firing, occurred twice: preceding glaze and over previously fired glaze....
Article
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Chinese Porcelain: Decoration

For Students 9th - 10th
"Blue-and-white" porcelain was used in temples and occasionally in burials in China, but most was exported. View pictures of Chinese porcelain and read about the innovative glazing techniques in this essay.