This document is a collection of lessons for teaching a unit on ancient Chinese history. The unit focuses on a specific dramatic moment in history from which students can explore the deeper meanings of selected landmark events and their wider context in the great historical narrative. Continuing narrative provides the contest in which the dramatic moment is situated. By studying a crucial turning point in history, students become aware that choices had to be made by real human beings, that those decisions were the result of specific factors, and that they set in motion a series of historical consequences. This unit's main focus is to have the students utilize their knowledge of Confucian thought by evaluating a fascinating historical figure, Wang Mang. Students study his success or failure as a Confucian ruler during his tenure as the Son of Heaven. Students predict, based on a careful reading of primary source materials, what might lead to Wang Mang's overthrow, and then judge him for his successes or failures as a leader. This unit contains teacher background materials, lesson plans, and student resources. The culminating lesson of this unit involves both a role play and a mock trial. Students gain skills in historiography and realize that history is a story well told, but much depends on who is telling it. (DK)