The Shang people of the Yellow River

1. The Shang people of the Yellow River By JohnaldStupecs, Patrick Herrick, Ian Hughgrant, and Porker Willsey

2. Political System • The king (or ‘Wang’) was both the political leader and religious leader. • He, along with the bureaucrats and and aristocrats, controlled/directed the life and work of the serfs and peasants.

3. Economy • Most of the income came from farming by the serfs and peasants. • Many farmers discovered how to make silk from silkworms, and soon silk become China’s main export. • Artisans also manufactured weapons, ritual vessels, and jewelry.

4. Religion • The Shang believed in Shang Ti, one god who ruled over all others. • The worship of their ancestors was also very important to the Shang people. • They made animal/crop sacrifices to both their gods and their ancestors.

5. Basis for Civilization • The Shang Ti lived along the Yellow River Valley. • They had a strong economic agricultural system. • Their knowledge of using silkworms to make silk thread also greatly aided their civilization’s economy.

6. Cultural Achievements • The Shang created a clever writing system which they used mostly to record big events, weddings, and important history • They had a few crews of exceptional bronze workers • The Shang also created the first mathematic decimal system and utilized the calendar, as well.

7. Success/Failure • The Shang civilization/dynasty lasted from the 16th century to the 11th century, but they were eventually overrun by the Zhou rebels, which led to the creation of China’s third dynasty, the Zhou.

8. Bibliography • http://www.aasd.k12.wi.us/Staff/Hermansenjoel/World%20History%20Files/China/dynasty/wilson.htm • http://www.warriortours.com/intro/history/shang/