1. Shang/Zhou
1.1. China's first civilizations were formed in river valleys due to the abundant wildlife, and fertile soil.
1.2. Much of China is covered in mountains, hills, and deserts, which protected the Shang and Zhou from invaders.
1.3. The Shang's people mostly worked in the fields, tending to the crops. Unless they were called upon to fight,
2. Geography & Agriculture
2.1. Sumerian
2.1.1. Farmers grew grains like wheat and barley because of the floods that left fertile
2.1.2. Although many people farmed, it was hard because the region had little rain.
2.1.3. Flat swamp area was well suited for agriculture
3. Religion
3.1. Sumerian
3.1.1. The Sumerians practiced polytheism, which is the belief in multiple deities , gods and goddesses.
3.1.2. Believed that the gods were in control of all natural forces worked hard to please the gods
3.1.3. Religion shaped life in the city-states
3.2. Shang/Zhou
3.2.1. The Shang believed in an afterlife, so when a person of high authority was killed, many of their survents were sacrificed so there were able to tend to their master.
3.2.2. Confucianism is practiced by the Zhou. That is a belief that everyone should respect each other and practice traditional manners and values.
3.2.3. The Zhou also practiced Daoism, which focused on following the laws of nature and retreating from the laws of society.
4. Economy & Trade
4.1. Sumerian
4.1.1. Traded with people from Southwest Asia and beyond. They traded woven textiles, stone, and timber.
4.1.2. Had many materials from trade for their art and buildings.
4.1.3. Lacked materials to trade, like wood and metal.
4.2. Shang/Zhou
4.2.1. Shang rulers focused on the great importance of agriculture. Fishing began to grow as an industry as the Shang people fished.
4.2.2. The Shang Dynasty based their economy off of the creation of bronze.
4.2.3. Increased irrigation in the Zhou led to increase in the agricultural abundance of food, which in turn increased the population.
5. Social Structure and Family Life
5.1. Sumerian
5.1.1. Sumerians had a distinct social ranking. Priests and Kings were at the top, then wealthy merchants and large landowners. Next were the majority of sumerians, farmers and laborers. Lastly Slaves were ranked at the bottom of the social scale.
5.1.2. Men and Women had Distinct roles
5.1.3. Men had political power and women stayed home and took care of the children.
5.2. Shang/Zhou
5.2.1. Confucianism was a popular example of the social structure of the Zhou city. This social structure was brought to the dynasty through the kings and their beliefs.
5.2.2. The social structure followed by both the Shang and Zhou dynasties would be at the top of the social hierarchy, Emperors, Scholars, Farmers, Merchants, Women, and Slaves in last.
5.2.3. The Zhou built large cities, had a well-organized government administration, and often engaged in warfare to ensure territorial boundaries.
6. Arts and Education
6.1. Sumerians
6.1.1. Art included statues with larger and wide open eyes and small carved objects
6.1.2. Over time they used cuneiform to do law and grammar, also literature, poetry, stories, and songs.
6.1.3. Used cuneiform as a way to keep records and track of business.
6.1.4. The Sumerians writing was called cuneiform, they would use sharp tools to crave symbols in clay tablets.
6.2. Shang/Zhou
6.2.1. Many bronze and jade statues and pieces of artwork were placed with government leaders in their tombs to help them in the afterlife.
6.2.2. The Shang and Zhou dynasties practiced Music, Archery, Charioteering, Calligraphy, and Mathematics during their education.
6.2.3. The Zhou practice casting inscriptions into bronze vessels, as well as the designing the vessels themselves,
7. Science and Technology
7.1. Sumerians
7.1.1. Had a math system based of the number 60.
7.1.2. Invented the wheel, used for pottery and vehicles.
7.1.3. The Sumerians also built sewers, and had medical knowledge allowing them to perform basic surgeries.
7.2. Shang/Zhou
7.2.1. The development of writing was formed through the use of oracle bones during religious practices.
7.2.2. The Shang made many items with bronze. Whether it was pots and pants, or decorations on religious artifacts, bronze was used widely.
7.2.3. Due to a large population increase, during the Zhou dynasty, roads, channels and channels were developed to help trading between cities.
8. Government and Leaders
8.1. Sumerians
8.1.1. People began to fight for dominance in the city states, and war chiefs became kings
8.1.2. Priests governed the city-states due to a good reputation
8.1.3. Over time Kings began to form dynasties.
8.2. Shang/Zhou
8.2.1. One of the most recognized leaders in the Shang's history is named Fu Xi. He was known for being part god, part man.
8.2.2. The Shang had a group of people, known as the court, that performed rituals to keep the city safe.
8.2.3. The Zhou created a belief called the Mandate of Heaven, that told the people that they were ruled by someone who wasn't corrupt.