1. Ancient China Part 2

2. The Zhou Dynasty
China’s longest reigning dynasty (RULED FOR 800 YEARS)
1042- Rebels overthrow the Shang Rulers led by Wu Wang.

3. The Zhou Dynasty Rule King led the government by a BUREAUCRACY.
Made up of government officials that complete government task.
Larger then the Shang Dynasty
Kingdoms were divided into territories that were governed by trusted Aristocrats
King’s entire duty is to carry out religious ceremonies and please the gods.

4. Mandate of Heaven
The belief that the Chinese Kings had the power to rule: reason being the gods would only choose a wise and good person to be King.
The King must rule in the most proper way know as DAO
If there was a natural disaster or bad harvest then the King has failed at their job.

5. Warring States Period
Over time the Aristocrats became more powerful and began to govern their own territories no matter what the king said.
Aristocrats fought one another constantly for 200 years. (400’s to 200’s BC)
Farmers were forced to be soldiers
Weapons used Spears, crossbows, and swords.
Over time they introduced horses (the chines created a Saddle and Stirrups)

6. Social Classes in Ancient China
4 Main Social Classes
Aristocrats
Farmers
Artisans
Merchants

7. Aristocrats Very Wealthy Owned large estates
Lived in tile roof houses with gardens and courtyards
Land was divided equally among all male heirs once the eldest male died.

8. Farmers 9 out of 10 Chinese people were farmers
Lived in RURAL VILLIAGES
Rented fields from Aristocrats to farm and make a living
Owned a very small plot of land to grow food for their family to live off of.

9. Artisans Crafted all types of things for the Aristocrats and Farmers.
Such as tools, weapons, silk, clothing, art
Learned skills from their fathers and passed it on to their own children.
Lived in the town

10. Merchants
Traded and bought goods to the Aristocrats from foreign lands.
Most became wealthy
Lived in towns
Most believed merchants did not follow the philosophies of Daoism or Confucianism

11. Chinese Family Structure
Family is the center of life
Parents had many children to help with the work in the house or the farm.
Practiced FILIAD PIETY
Men are more respected in society due to their work and skill.
Women raised children, took care of the household, and finances.