Part of HistoryShang DynastyYear 3Year 4
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Narrator: In the Shang dynasty you weren鈥檛 allowed to choose what job you did. It all depended on which class you belonged to.
King: What a lovely day this is turning out to be.
Priest: We can thank the gods for that.
Narrator: At the top were the wealthy ruling class. Then came priests, soldiers, craftsmen, farmers and prisoners.
The ruling class worked on important jobs for the Shang government and were really rich.
Woman: The people think you鈥檙e a brilliant king.
Narrator: Priests were thought to be able to predict the future.
Priest: It looks like our army will be victorious in battle.
Narrator: Soldiers were respected and honoured for their fighting skills.
The craftsmen were in the middle class. Their job was to make pottery, sculpture and metal work.
Shopper: How much for that pot?
Craftsman: I will give you a bargain.
Shopper: Wonderful, I鈥檒l take twenty.
Narrator: Most people belonged to the lower class and worked as farmers. Although respected for the food they grew, it was a tough life and most of the work was done by hand.
Farmer: Phew, when will the rains come and break this heat?
Narrator: Prisoners were the lowest class of all and were captured during battles. They were forced to do anything that their masters wanted.
Master: Hurry up, those rocks won鈥檛 smash themselves.
The king was born in to the royal family.
Important jobs at the royal court included:
Nobles often had money and power.
Do you like making things, drawing and painting?
Do your friends ask for your advice and help?
Are you really sporty?
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The Shang Dynasty 1600-1046 BC