Social Classes in Ancient China By: Bodaubay Alina

Ancient China Most of China's history it was ruled by powerful families called dynasties. The first dynasty was the Shang and the last was the Qing. Ancient China also boasts the longest lasting empire in history. It began with the Qin dynasty and the first emperor Qin, who become a emperor in 221 BC. Ancient China was the powerfull empire in that time.

Social Classes In Ancient China were 4 social classes. Chines people divided themselves into different social structures. They believed that people were expected to behave according their social position.

LOWEST SOCIAL CLASSES The merchants included traders, money lenders and animal breeders. They were the lowest class in Ancient China society. But some merchants, despite their low social status became very wealthy. Artisans included painters, potters, jewelry makers. They earned more than farmers, and less than merchants but were respected for their skills. They produced many useful object for daily life. Second class were peasants. They were important, because they produced the food. But most peasants were poor. Peasants work very hard and had a day off.

Highest social classes First social class in Ancient China divided to the officials and nobles. Officials were group, that held high social status in Ancient China. The two most senior officials acted as advisers to the emperor. Most officials lived very comfortably and well-respected. Nobles was very privileged, they were the extended family of the emperor. They fought in emperor's army and provided weapons, foot soldiers and chariots. Nobles enjoyed life of luxury and lived in great places. The emperor and his family were at the top of social classes. He were leader and ruled from a place in the capital city.

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