The Zhou Dynasty
•In 1122 B.C. an aggressive young state over thrown the Shang dynasty.
•The Zhou dynasty lasted for almost 900 years (1122 to 256 B.C.).
•But this mandate of Heaven was still double edged. If the king failed to rule effectively, he could be overthrownby a new ruler (“Right of Revolution”).
Political System of The Zhou Dynasty
•It continued the politicalsystem of the Shang dynasty.
•Then, it developed. The Zhou king said that he possessed “Mandate of Heaven.” It means that the king was chosen to rule by Heaven because of his talent and virtue
Life and Culture during the Zhou Dynasty
•It had a pattern of land ownership. The peasant worked on lands of their lord, but they also had land of their own and farmed it.
•But, life of most farmers was not easy.
•As the states grew, they imposed new taxes for their expanding armies.
•In 6th century B.C. large-scale water projects were set to control flow of river.
•Irrigation became in wide use.
• Changes in farming methods (irrigation, use of iron plow) increased food production.
•There were also a class of artisans and merchants. At first, they exchanged local products. But eventually, trade increased to include goods from distant regions: salt, iron, clothes, and luxury items. •The Chinese written language was created and developed during this period.