The Chinese empire spanned more than two thousand years, providing the world with many important inventions and influential philosophies. Through thoughtful narrative supported by fully documented quotes, this title begins with A Brief History of Ancient China and then examines these questions: How Important Was the Great Wall in the Development of Ancient Chinese Civilization? What Effect Did Confucianism Have on the Chinese Moral and Political Outlook? How Did the Chinese Invention of Gunpowder Affect Warfare in the World? How Did the Silk Road Link China with the Rest of the World?