1. Early Civilization in China

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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