WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Slaves. The only members of ancient Chinese society that were considered ‘less honourable’ than the merchants, were the slaves. It is estimated that less than 1% of ancient Chinese society were slaves and were technically not included in the social hierarchy.

Detailed explanation-2: -Han China was comprised of a three-tiered social system. Aristocrats and bureaucrats were at the top of this hierarchy followed by skilled laborers like farmers and iron workers. The bottom tier consisted of unskilled laborers such as servants and slaves.

Detailed explanation-3: -Merchants were at the bottom of the social scale in ancient China. Many merchants became rich. This angered some scholars and nobles. They wanted merchants to act and behave and live in a lowly fashion.

Detailed explanation-4: -In the hierarchy of ancient China, merchants and traders were ranked the lowest. This was because they did not produce anything. They relied on profits they made after trading. As farmers grew food and artisans produced goods, merchants and traders hoped to sell these goods.

Detailed explanation-5: -There were four social classes in ancient China including noble, farmers or peasants, artisans or craftsmen, and merchants. The four social classes were based on the teachings of Confucius. The four social classes were to allow people to live in harmony and balance.