Sign Up Now
Get instant access to over 1 million+ study documents
OR
Already registered? click here to login
By creating your account, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and student honor code.
The cultures shifted from a primarily agrarian economic base to one that used metal as a means to craft practical and ritual objects. In addition to the ritual cauldrons that were emblematic of the Xia dynasty, other uses of advanced metallurgical techniques include the manufacturing of "jue," vessels used to hold a grain alcohol beverage commonly translated as "wine," (Class unit: 12). In fact, bronze objects were cast en masse during the Xia and Shang dynasties (Class unit: 12). Warfare over metals, especially tin and copper, transformed the balance of power in the region (Class unit: 12). Commoners were frequently conscripted for military service during the Shang dynasty ("The Evolution of Complex Societies in China,": 446). Bronze casting allowed Shang rulers to have access to advanced weaponry. Their bronze weapons, their centralized leadership, and their control over a large number of peasant soldiers enabled the Shang to become the first expansionist Chinese civilization.
Formally believed to be a mythical city, the now excavated Erlitou is considered to be the hub of Xia and Shang culture. Characteristic of the Erlitou excavation are the raised platforms made of rammed earth. Assumed to be the residences of elite Xia and Shang, the entrances to the residences face south as do many modern Chinese structures...
Some researchers refer to the residences as "palaces" because of their size and scope as well as their apparently being the residences of the aristocracy ("The Evolution of Complex Societies in China,": 443). Erlitou tombs offer further evidence of class stratification in Xia and Shang culture, as most of the excavated tombs were constructed for an elite ruling class.
Angang is another Shang site with complex architecture, burial grounds, and other evidence of social stratification. Excavations at Angang reveal an intensification of autocratic rule, as many of the tombs contained what appear to be human sacrifices ("The Evolution of Complex Societies in China,": 447). Specialization of labor was also evidence in the Shang culture, and some Shang villages specialized in certain crafts or trades. Military campaigns allowed the Shang to control vast amounts of human as well as natural resources and networks of trade were established between Shang outposts. By the end of the Shang dynasty, a system of writing had been developed. Shang writings chronicle and glorify Shang dominance of the Yellow River basin. In fact, some late Shang texts testify to the extent of the dynasty and the power of its kings.
References
Class Unit.
The Evolution of Complex Societies in China,"
Ancient Chinese Bronzes The existence of the believed first prehistoric Chinese dynasty of Xia from the 21st to the 16th century was assumed a myth on account of scientific excavations at early bronze-age sites in Anyang, Henan Province in 1928 (Crystal 2004) (Poon). But archaeological finds in the 1960s and 1970s, consisting mainly of urban sites, bronze implements and tombs, provided evidence to the existence of a Xia civilization in the
For a society whose entire livelihood was tied to the migration patterns of animals, this factor is a vital change (Bellwood, 2004). As mentioned, the technological advancements required for progress were vast, but were somehow attained by the Paleolithic people. The plow, loom, wheel, clay bricks, and calendars were all developed, despite a lack of knowledge surrounding such technical aspects (Bellwood, 2004). Perhaps the largest factor in the transition was the
power of China from the Shang Dynasty to the Western Han. There are eight references used for this paper. China has seen a number of changes in terms of history and power over the years. It is interesting to examine the changing nature of the association as well as explore the relationship between history and political authority from the Shang Dynasty to the Western Han. Political Power China's history has been documented
Oracle Bone and Traditional China According to ancient writings, the history of China dates back approximately 3,300 years. Studies by modern archaeologists provide evidence of ancient origins in a culture that was flourishing between 2500-2000 B.C. In an area that is now central China and the lower Huang He Valley in northern China. Through centuries of migration, amalgamation and development, a distinctive system of writing, philosophy, art, and political organization came
The State has also established a string of both general and specific policies for improving and developing special education and set aside special funds for this purpose. Consequently, just like regular education, special education has also developed rapidly. Although local governments are encouraged to provide compulsory education to children with and without disabilities, the enacted policies do not necessitate that education be provided to all students. Despite the fact that
Honor Code of Chinese Warriors The objective of this study is to discuss the honor code of warrior-heroes in Chinese history and to answer to what the honor code consists of and the origin of the honor code. As well, this study will examine how this honor code influenced the intentions, words, and actions of the warriors and how the honor code manifests itself in novels, how and when the codes