Transcript Ancient China (Shang and Zhou Dynasties) Theme: The importance

Ancient China- The Shang
Dynasty
Importance of Rivers
rivers
agriculture
populations
cities
specialization
hierarchy
YELLOW RIVER
YANGZI RIVER
Population Growth
Settlements began to grow along the
Yellow River
Created a need for recognized authorities
who could maintain order, resolve
disputes, and organize public works
projects
1700 B.C.E.
One of the settlements began to expand
A ruler from this settlement began the
Shang Dynasty
The Shang Dynasty lasted about 600
years
This is the earliest dynasty we know of
because of written records
Shang Government
Power was kept within the family
Organized groups of farmers
Produced large harvests
Allowed Shang to support many soldiers
Built a number of walled cities
Local ruler accepted the authority of the
King
Controlled flooding along the Huang
River by building dykes
Walls to hold back water
Writing
Earliest written records from China are
oracle bones
Animal bones or turtles shells carved with
words used to tell the future
Writing was done in pictographs
Many ancient characters became the
writing Chinese people use today
Writing: Oracle Bones
Specialization
 Bronze
 Best known for
 Jewelers
 Jade workers
 Embroiderers
 Manufacturers of silk
textiles
Silkworm cocoon