Ancient China the Xia Dynasty Essay

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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 (Class unit: 12). 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.

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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….....

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