Early Civilization in China

Shang Dynasty About 1650 B.C. Probably resembled a City- State Royals were heads of the clan Royals-Warriors-Merchants Most people were peasants Worked the fields all day Required to fight for lords

Religious Beliefs Shang Di - Chief God King had direct connection Ancestors of families got gifts from the gods Yin and Yang Balance of the universe Yin = Earth; Yang = Heaven

Zhou Dynasty 1027 B.C.E. overthrew Shang Justified by “Mandate of Heaven” Cruel Shang King lost favor of the gods Explained the rise and fall of dynasties Feudalism - local lords owned land, which peasants lived & worked on

Early Chinese Achievements Silk Making Only royals and nobles could afford material Most valuable export First books Bamboo tied together Book of Songs Astronomy Helped make calendar

Economic Growth Ironworking ~ 700 - 500 B.C.E. More farm production Irrigation systems More food = greater population Commerce expanded through use of money Trade made easier Feudal lords expanded lands