Lifestyles of Rich and Poor in Ancient China

The country depended on them to produce food scholars Peasant farmers artisans merchants The country depended on them to produce food Used their skills to make things that people needed (weapons, tools, & cooking utensils) Respected by everyone because they could read & write They made nothing, yet grew rich by trading goods. Soldiers guarded the borders

Shang Dynasty Social Hierarchy Cut out the people and Position them on the pyramid. More than one group can be on a section.

The emperor and nobles would wear elegant silk and cotton robes

Rich People The Rich At the time of Shang Dynasty some men and women wore robes that were tied to their waist, also with a long sash. Clothing of the rich was sometimes flowery and colourful. Members of the royal family and high-ranking officials dangled jade, gold, or silver bracelets from their arms. They ate more and better-tasting food and had more leisure time. China's richest man was the emperor.

The Rich Wore silk A status symbol Had the finest clothes Able to wear any colours they wanted. Wore great gold and silver jewellery. Clothing of the rich is sometimes flowery and colourful.

Wealthy women wore silk slippers or wooden shoes. Wore Jade, gold, or silver bracelets on their arms as accessories

The Rich Leisure Time Order Ruling elite had free time to pursue leisure activities, for example ,hunting, for sport Wealthy people enjoyed collecting expensive bronze and jade objects King’s governors ruled distant parts of kingdom King also had large army at disposal Prevented rebellions, fought outside opponents

Food Rich Wider choice Various meats Used spices such as ginger, salt, sugar Drink tea and rice wine

Homes Very elegant Expensive cloths draping the walls Paintings and mirrors Pots and sculptures

The Poor Cheap material Baggy trousers and a big cotton shirt Colours black or blue Both men and women wore straw shoes

Peasants wore clothes made from coarse cloth The Poor Cheap material Baggy trousers and a big cotton shirt Colours black or blue Both men and women wore straw shoes Peasants wore clothes made from coarse cloth

Few could read or write so majority were farmers who worked really hard Poor families sometimes sold their daughter to be servants of the rich. When crops failed because of drought or floods, farmers risked losing their land.

Poor Simple meals Rice, wheat, vegetables and beans Fish would be a treat caught from ponds, rivers or canals

Games Board Games Singing and Dancing Sports Chess, cards, mah-jong