WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The largest social group was the farmers, who were also considered peasants. Some farmers raised sheep, cattle, pigs, and other livestock. Most, however, worked tirelessly on land they did not own, to harvest crops they did not get to keep.

Detailed explanation-2: -To guard against flooding by the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, the ancient Shang developed complex forms of irrigation and flood control. The farming of millet, wheat, rice, and barley crops provided the major sources of food, but hunting was not uncommon.

Detailed explanation-3: -Shang Population The Shang probably had about 13.5 million people, according to Duan Chang-Qun et al. It was centered on the North China Plain northward to modern Shangdong and Hebei provinces and westward through the modern Henan province.

Detailed explanation-4: -The typical farmer lived in a small village of around 100 families. They worked small family farms. Although they had plows and sometimes used animals like dogs and oxen to do the work, most of the work was done by hand.

Detailed explanation-5: -The Shang made many contributions to Chinese civilization, but four in particular define the dynasty: the invention of writing; the development of a stratified government; the advancement of bronze technology; and the use of the chariot and bronze weapons in warfare.