Compare And Contrast Chinese Dynasty And Shang Dynasty

Similarly to many ancient societies, the Chinese dynasties and societies flourished along the fertile land around rivers. The societies were based on agriculture, and engaged in trade networks along the Silk Road. The societies were ruled by semi-divine monarchies, with a class system. Unlike many of the other ancient societies, China’s rulers were chosen by The Mandate of Heaven, thus creating the dynastic cycle. China began to spread it’s ideals and products along the Silk Road, therefore influencing societies such as Persia, Greece and Rome. In Southern China, the Yangzi River provides transportation and irrigation throughout China. The Yangzi River, also referred to as “China’s blessing,” rarely floods and creates a warm, long growing season. The land around the river is lush and ideal conditions to grow vegetables, fruits, and grains. In contrast, the Yellow River of the North is essentially opposite. The river is often referred to as “China’s sorrow.” The weather is cold and dry and it leads to harsh seasons with drought, flooding, and frost. Despite

The dynasty was a complex, war-like society, occupied by city states. Each city state had their own rulers, but were tied to the dynasty by allegiance or kinship, creating political unity. Historians know more about the Shang society because of the written records and documents that were found in the capital, Anyang. The Shang society was divided into a class system. At the top of the system was the king and his warrior nobles, followed by the artisans, then the peasants, and at the bottom was slaves and prisoners of war. The Shang Dynasty focused their religion on ancestor worship, a belief system based on spirits of dead ancestors helping the living relatives. This religion involved sacrifices of both animals and slaves to achieve divine favor. By the 12th century, Shang leaders became oppressive and corrupt. The Shang society was dominated by the