Matteo Ricci 1552-1610 “Servant of God” Contribution and Influence on cartography and Geographical Knowledge in China. Word Count:2119 The achievements, contributions and importance of Matteo Ricci China, will be discussed in the ensuing essay. Matteo Ricci, was a remarkable man of many traits and talents, a true “renaissance man”. Mathematician, first sinologist, cartographer, missionary, astronomer, linguist and geographer. Fascinating first as a man and then as a man of faith, his awareness, and knowledge that he wanted to convey of the greatness that all people of good will can reach.
1 The Han Dynasty was a dynasty with power, creativity, and education. The people of China even call themselves “the people of the Han”, because it was so successful. During 426 years, from 206 BC - 220 AD, with 14 years of interruption by the Xin Dynasty, there were 30 emperors, of which Emperor Wu had the greatest impact on Chinese culture and society. The Han Dynasty’s land was a part of modern day China, North Korea, and Vietnam. The Han Dynasty was effective in the implementation of problem solving, the sciences, and careful thought.
The famous explorer Marco Polo was born in the year 1254 to a family of merchants. Even then, the city where he was born--Venice--was a center for commerce and trading in the Mediterranean region. Because Marco's family was wealthy, he received a good education, learning about classical authors, the theology of the Latin Church, and both French and Italian. He also developed an interest in history and geography that would stay with him for the rest of his life. When Marco was only six years old, his father Niccolò and his uncle Maffeo left for a journey to Cathay (China).
China has been under rule of hundreds of different emperors, all of whom provided a new addition to Ancient China's rich and intricate history. These emperors ruled during periods called "dynasties" which could span from decades to centures. Of all the ancient chinese dynasties there is only one that left a lasting impression that built the foundation for modern day China. The Qin Dynasty is the greatest dynasty in Chinese history because of the standardization of currency, writing, and measurement, the formation of China, and being the first dynasty under rule of an emperor. Of these achievements the standardization of language and measurement has definately had one of the most positive impacts.
Ancient Chinese Contributions China has been the source for many ancient Chinese contributions and inventions. Some of the contributions have been invaluable to society over the years and continue to shape the modern world. It is estimated that half of all basic inventions originally came from China (Gail, 2002). Identification of some of the most useful contributions of the ancient Chinese will be provided. Furthermore, explanation of why four ancient Chinese inventions are believed to be the most ingenious and innovative will be discussed, and one invention will be identified as the one that I could not live without.
Ancient Chinese Contributions Ancient Chinese contributions are numerous and many are particularly ingenious. They have greatly molded life in this century. Without the ancient Chinese invention- the ship’s rudder, where would ship building be today? Or sea trade and transport? Other inventions have also contributed greatly to what the world is today.
After this long journey of three years, they arrived in China and met Kublai Khan. Here, Marco impressed the Khan with his wisdom and knowledge of theChinese culture and became a special envoy for Khan’s court. (Text A) During his seventeen years in Mongolia he was a governor as well as a successful businessman, which brought him a big fortune. Still, he missed his homeland and wished to return with the wealth he had earned, though he was denied by the Khan. Until the opportunity arrived when a princess, the Khan’s daughter, needed to be escorted to Persia for her wedding.
The Long March is considered an important event in Chinese history for many reasons. It was very important for the CCP and Red army because communism survived and they found a new base. This new base was remote enough for the GMD to be unable to attack it, and was also safe from attack by the Japanese. This helped to increase the CCP’s standing in China even further. Another key impact of the Long March was that Moa Zedong was re-established as the unchallenged leader of the CCP.
Deng Xiaoping has rendered outstanding service to the Chinese people, throughout the revolution, during the development of the People's Republic and especially in recent years when, after the disastrous "cultural revolution", he succeeded in setting the country on the road to socialist modernization. He has proved to be far-sighted and persevering, a man of quick understanding and decisive action. The contribution he has made to the revolution, his courage as an innovator have earned his the trust of the Chinese people. In his long career as a revolutionary, Deng has enjoyed many victories and has also been through severe tests. On more than one occasion, he was subjected to unjust attack simply because he refused to abandon correct views.
Apart from the storyline, which is based on the life history of the protagonist, the film paints an unmatchable visual experience of art and culture prevalent in East Asia. The initial half of the film provides great insight into the Forbidden City, China’s most historic and prestigious landmark. Every scene centers on the artistic value of the city through stunning filming. The Westerners and the rest of the world got to know about the spiritual culture of the Chinese and realized how art is considered to be a treasure of this civilization. The film had some unique scenes of the Imperial Palace, shown for the first time to the rest of the world.