Zhou Dynasty: Society, Economy, and Beliefs in Ancient China
The Zhou Dynasty: A Comprehensive Look
The Zhou Dynasty overthrew the Shang around 1100 BCE and governed for 800 years. The Zhou adopted many ideas from the Shang system. The government was hierarchical, with growing responsibilities for the King, who was served by a bureaucracy. He ruled with the Mandate of Heaven. Even though he had the mandate, he could be overthrown if he neglected his duties. Dynasties claimed the “Mandate of Heaven,” which stated: “He who wins is the King, he who loses is the rebel.” The peasants worked the land under the “well-field” system. Life was difficult for them, as they were exploited by landlords and taxed heavily. They were almost treated as slaves.
Economic and Social Advancements
During the Zhou Dynasty, the economy advanced, and large, complex irrigation systems were built and maintained. The iron plow was introduced, allowing for greater farming capacity. The population rose to 20 million, causing a decline in the nobility’s economic wealth. Silk production took off and became a worldwide item. A monetary economy developed based on seashells and later on iron coins, but bartering continued to be more common.
Philosophical and Religious Developments
The birth of civilization gave rise to questions about our existence in the universe. Chinese beliefs quickly developed beyond spirit worship. The concept of god shifted to that of the universal order of heaven (Tian). There was a duality of the world, the yin and yang, which had significant consequences.
Confucianism
Confucius’s legacy was interpreted in many ways. But the main ideas were: behaving in accordance with the Dao, duty and hard work, and compassion and empathy for others.
Legalism and Daoism
Legalism developed as the opposite of Confucian ideas, which held that humans are inherently good. Its main ideas were that humans are evil by nature, people need to be controlled, and that the government was essential in maintaining that control and managing social order. Daoism also developed as an alternative. It was similar to others but with a focus on inaction as the best way to align with the natural order. Its popular beliefs were: spiritualistic and animalistic beliefs, interest in the occult and astrology, and the veneration of ancestors.
Family and Daily Life
The family in China was historically very important. The village/clan system transitioned to the joint family one. There was a hierarchical system based on filial piety and the five relationships. People at first lived in wood houses, but tile/brick became more common over time. They had little furniture; chairs didn’t exist until 600-700 CE. They had simple clothing, and food was different in the north and the south. Alcohol developed as a popular beverage in higher classes, alongside tea drinking for everyone.
Gender Roles and Society
Patriarchy established itself here too. Women were often in authority, though it was frowned upon. The position of women was reflected in Chinese characters. Even though women had few legal rights and no property rights, men governed society.
Technological and Artistic Achievements
During the Shang Dynasty, elaborate bronze working started. Iron came 1000 years later than everywhere else, but by 300 BCE, it was the most advanced worldwide. Lacquerware and ceramics were also popular.
Language and Music
Pictographs evolved by Shang times. Most languages became phonetic, but not Chinese, though a phonetic element was developed. Bronze bells were the first musical instrument in China. Music was divided between elite and popular types.