high CLAsS |
Middle class |
Aristocracy were the most respected and they were in charge of governing small areas of the dynasty. Aristocrats and the King are centered around Anyang, which is the Shang capitol. Regional territories farther from the capitol were usually controlled by the wealthy. Next in the hierarchy were the Shang military, who were respected and honored for their skills. There are two groups of the military: infantry(foot soldiers) and chariot warriors.
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The middle class were artisans and craftsmen. Their largest contribution was their work with bronze. Their work with bronze was a very important aspect of the society. Artisans that were skilled in bronze were very valued. They often made weapons used by Shang warriors. They made and decorated containers used by the king and nobles religious ceremonies.Bronze weapons and pottery were commonly made, but the most prominent creations were ritual vessels and treasures. Many of these ritual vessels and treasures were discovered archaeological findings in the 1920s and 1930s. Shang aristocrats and the royalty were likely buried with large numbers of bronze valuables, particularly wine vessels and other ornate structures. Artisans were a talented group of potters, stone makers, and workers crafting items of bronze and jade.
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Peasants
Peasants were at the very bottom of the social ladder they were the poorest of the Chinese citizens.They were limited to farming and selling crops for profit. Peasants were governed directly by local aristocrats.They did not own the land they farmed.Their land was under control of the king or nobles. Farmers could only keep enough food to feed themselves and their families.
Even after the Chinese began to make bronze and iron many farmers still used simple tools made of wood and stone.Besides growing crops, farmers learned to raise cattle, pigs, and chickens. |
Slaves and servants At the very bottom of the Shang society were slaves. Many slaves were prisoners of war. They spent most of their lives building tombs and palaces.When their masters passed on, the slaves were sometimes sacrificed. They were sacrificed because it was believed that slaves should continue to serve their masters in the afterlife.
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