1. Lifestyles of Rich and Poor in Ancient China

2. The country depended on them to produce food
scholars
Peasant farmers
artisans
merchants
The country depended on them to produce food
Used their skills to make things that people needed (weapons, tools, & cooking utensils)
Respected by everyone because they could read & write
They made nothing, yet grew rich by trading goods.
Soldiers guarded the borders

3. Shang Dynasty Social Hierarchy
Cut out the people and Position them on the pyramid. More than one group can be on a section.

4. The emperor and nobles would wear elegant silk and cotton robes

5. Rich People
The Rich
At the time of Shang Dynasty some men and women wore robes that were tied to their waist, also with a long sash. Clothing of the rich was sometimes flowery and colourful.
Members of the royal family and high-ranking officials dangled jade, gold, or silver bracelets from their arms. They ate more and better-tasting food and had more leisure time. China's richest man was the emperor.

6. The Rich Wore silk A status symbol Had the finest clothes
Able to wear any colours they wanted.
Wore great gold and silver jewellery.
Clothing of the rich is sometimes flowery and colourful.

7. Wealthy women wore silk slippers or wooden shoes.
Wore Jade, gold, or silver bracelets on their arms as accessories

8. The Rich Leisure Time Order
Ruling elite had free time to pursue leisure activities, for example ,hunting, for sport
Wealthy people enjoyed collecting expensive bronze and jade objects
King’s governors ruled distant parts of kingdom
King also had large army at disposal
Prevented rebellions, fought outside opponents

10. Food Rich Wider choice Various meats
Used spices such as ginger, salt, sugar
Drink tea and rice wine

11. Homes Very elegant Expensive cloths draping the walls
Paintings and mirrors
Pots and sculptures

12. The Poor Cheap material Baggy trousers and a big cotton shirt
Colours black or blue
Both men and women wore straw shoes

13. Peasants wore clothes made from coarse cloth
The Poor
Cheap material
Baggy trousers and a big cotton shirt
Colours black or blue
Both men and women wore straw shoes
Peasants wore clothes made from coarse cloth

14. Few could read or write so majority were farmers who worked really hard
Poor families sometimes sold their daughter to be servants of the rich.
When crops failed because of drought or floods, farmers risked losing their land.

15. Poor Simple meals Rice, wheat, vegetables and beans
Fish would be a treat caught from ponds, rivers or canals

16. Games
Board Games
Singing and Dancing
Sports
Chess, cards, mah-jong