Download ANCIENT CHINA

ANCIENT CHINA
The Shang and Zhou Dynasties (1750-221BCE)
Frankie Chaires | Mrs. L. Cantu | 3/25/2014
THE SHANG DYNASTY (1750-1027BCE)
This dynasty is recorded as the first civilization in the Chinese empire. Even though
many historians argue that there have been others before, it is recorded as the
beginning because it is the first Chinese dynasty to have recorded history.
GEOGRAPHY OF THE SHANG DYNASTY
• The Shang dynasty
populated between the
Huang He River and
the Yangtze River.
• Natural barriers, such
as deserts, mountains,
and the Pacific Ocean,
isolated them from
other civilizations.
POLITICAL AND SOCIAL VIEWS
• Monarchy in China!
 The Shang dynasty was
controlled completely by
a monarchy. The kings of
the Shang ruled over
nobles, administrators,
generals, ambassadors,
and supervisors that took
control of every part of
the state. The king also
created an ideology that
reinforced their power
• Order social class:
– King: the king is always
on top and lives in luxury.
– Warrior Nobles: power
was given by king. They
govern the land and
villages.
– Peasants: lowest class
and work as farmers most
of the time.
ECONOMY OF YOUR COUNTRY
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Income came from farming or the
harvest of crops
Many farmers also knew how to
cultivate the silkworm and weave
its tread into beautiful cloth which
would be used for clothing
Silk later became China’s main
export
Many artisans manufactured
weapons, ritual vessels, jewelry,
and other items of interest
Shang rulers attached great
importance to agriculture. Fishing
began to grow as an industry as the
people fished in the fresh waters.
RELIGIOUS BELIEFS
• The Shang were
monotheistic people. They
believed in many gods and
worshiped them daily.
• Ancestor worship was also
a religious aspect of their
lives. They believed that by
praying to their ancestors
and showing respect, they
would have good crops
and luck with fishing.
• They worshiped the god
Shang Di
• Oracle Bones were used to
communicate with the
gods.
THE ZHOU DYNASTY (1026-256BCE)
One of the many dynasties that belong to the Chinese Empire. It came not long after the
Shang Dynasty. With the Shang Dynasty, the Zhou have added onto the China’s
greatness.
GEOGRAPHY OF THE ZHOU DYNASTY
• After the loss of some land near the Yangtze River,
more land was gained near the Huang He and the
Wei Rivers.
• Just as the Shang had been isolated from other
civilizations, the Zhou had been separated from
the world.
TRADE AND TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES
• Roads and Canals were built to transport goods
and supplies. They were also used as a way to
communicate and gave more job opportunities.
• Currency changed from sea shells to actual coins. I
• Cast iron was used to create tools, weapons, and
currency. They were also used to help farmers
tend to their crops.
CITATIONS:
• www.hist.umn.edu
• http://www.slideshare.net/Gregman215/shangdynasty-presentation