1. Economy and Trade
1.1. Sumerians
1.1.1. Sumerians lacked raw materials like wood and metals.
1.1.2. Since they lacked materials they would achieved them through trading.
1.1.3. Traded with SW Asia and Eurasians
1.1.4. Obtained Textiles, then traded for metals, timber, and stone
1.2. Shang/Zhou
1.2.1. Most economic gain was war plunder, stolen/liberated goods, but most econ info is unknown.
1.2.2. Traded mostly with people in the Fertile Crescent, in the Middle East (Sumer and Egypt)
1.2.3. Zhou developed metalworking, used to boost economy, causing a better monetary system to arise.
1.2.4. The Zhou continued previous trade with Mid. East and Eurasian regions.
2. Science and Technology
2.1. Sumerians
2.1.1. Obtained most (if not all) tools from trade with other global regions.
2.1.2. They created the wheel which they used to make pottery and build a variety of vehicles.
2.1.3. Sumerians collected medical knowledge and even performed basic surgery.
2.1.4. Sumerians also learned how to use geometry, which was necessary to build elaborate structures and irrigation systems.
2.2. Shang/Zhou
2.2.1. Developed maths, as well as ways to multiply and divide on a calculator. However, they only developed physical sciences and trade sciences.
2.2.2. Developed many tools, including shovels, knives, picks, drills, and cooking ware. (Traded surplus tools to the Sumerians)
2.2.3. Developed the most modern metalworking techniques of the time, fashioning swords, spears, knives, and other weapons.
2.2.4. Built incredible warships from metal(s), woodwork such as bamboo, spruce, and other plants, with canvas and papyrus sails.
3. Government and Leaders
3.1. Sumerians
3.1.1. In time many of the city-states' kings formed dynasties.
3.1.2. Priests governed the city- states in the Sumer area.
3.1.3. Eventually, warrior chiefs led rather than Priests due to constant wars over land and people.
3.1.4. Priests held a high status in Sumer and initially governed the city-states
3.2. Shang/Zhou
3.2.1. The Shang dynasty was ruled by a king, surrounded by his personal court members.
3.2.2. Large armies were amassed to protect and serve the king. Not only in war, but to crush uprisings against him.
3.2.3. For the high-end government officials, the lifestyle was rich, pristine, and enjoyable.
3.2.4. The Zhou dynasty brought the end of the Shang, but were worried that the people might reject them.
3.2.5. The Zhou believed they held the gods' favor over the Shang, or that the Shang had displeased the gods somehow.
4. Arts and Education
4.1. Sumerians
4.1.1. Wrote stories, fables, and epics (Ex: Epic of Gilgamesh)
4.1.2. Arches, ramps, columns and etc. on Ziggrats is popular art, as well as ivory statues of people and beings.
4.1.3. Developed a type of writing called cuneiform.
4.1.4. Sumerians first used cuneiform to keep business accounts and other records but then used it for grammar and law as well as literature.
4.2. Shang/Zhou
4.2.1. Art is seen mostly in ancient architecture, ships, and in tapestries, rugs, and walls in Royal areas.
4.2.2. Developed schools, (for the rich), which taught maths, writing, and sports of the time.
4.2.3. Shang astronomers created a precise calendar based on the cycles of the moon.
4.2.4. Zhou introduced coins to China and began the use of chopsticks, which are still used as eating utensils in china today.
5. Geography and Agriculture
5.1. Sumerians
5.1.1. Also called Mesoptamia, it lies in center of the Fertile
5.1.2. Known for being the worlds first civilization
5.1.3. Farming as early as 5500 B.C.E
5.1.4. Flooded often, leaving good silt behind
5.2. Shang/Zhou
5.2.1. Rivers (Huang He/Yellow River), held first civilizations in China due to excellent soil, near-tropic weather, and good protection.
5.2.2. Some regions, however, were better suited to a Farmer's crop than a River-front lifestyle.
5.2.3. Most civilizations began in low river valleys with warm, safe waters, and plentiful rainfall.
5.2.4. Most of the beginning civilizations in the river valleys were there because the valleys lay between rows upon rows of vast, mountainous terrain.
6. Social Structure and Family Life
6.1. Sumerians
6.1.1. Social classes formed after a short time. Kings and Priests were first.
6.1.2. Land owners and their wealthy Merchants were second in the ranking.
6.1.3. Farmers and Laborers were third and slaves were at the bottom.
6.1.4. Men held political and working-class jobs while the women tended to the house and children.
6.2. Shang/Zhou
6.2.1. Family merely continued the bloodline if you were well-endowed, or rich.
6.2.2. Social classes: 1)Kings/Court(s), 2)Lords/Landowners/Military Commanders, 3)Farmers/Soldiers/Working Class, and 4)Slaves/POWs
6.2.3. All governing and most, (if not all), business was controlled by the rich.
6.2.4. Farmers "belonged" to the kings' armies,and were often called to serve in battle.
7. Religion
7.1. Sumerians
7.1.1. Believed gods controlled all nature
7.1.2. Believed all gods were human-like beings
7.1.3. Worked hard to please the gods constantly
7.1.4. Priests governed all Sumerian city-states
7.2. Shang/Zhou
7.2.1. Believed in sacrificing of slaves/POWs to dead rulers' graves, so they may serve him/her in the after-life.
7.2.2. Believed many of their leaders were partial gods, with carious powers.
7.2.3. Religion was centered on ancestral worship, (committed through Oracle Bones).
7.2.4. Believed ancestors held clues to the future, keys to the past, and understanding of the present.