Ancient China is called one of the world's cradles of civilization. China has the longest continuous history in the world with over 3,500 years of written history! This teacher guide utilizes the popular G.R.A.P.E.S. acronym for teaching about ancient civilizations and focuses on the geography, religion, achievements, politics, economy, and social structure of ancient China.
G.R.A.P.E.S.: Geography, Religion, Achievements, Politics, Economy and Social Life.
This storyboard explains the economy and jobs in ancient China.
Storyboard Text
AGRICULTURE AND ENGINEERS
FORM OF CURRENCY
Ancient China's economy was mainly agrarian meaning that most people farmed. The land surrounding the Huang He and Chang Jiang rivers was fertile for growing crops such as wheat, millet, rice, fruits, vegetables, and livestock.
China created a standardized form of currency called the Ban Liang coin under the first emperor Shi Huangdi in 210 BCE. The first known paper money was invented under the Song Dynasty which ruled from 960-1279 BCE.
MERCHANTS AND TRADERS
ECONOMY OF ANCIENT CHINA
BUILDERS, WRITERS AND ARTISANS
In ancient China merchants and traders were considered lower class, but they were vital to society. They traded goods such as paper and silk which were valuable commoditiesexchanged along the Silk Road as far away as southern Europe.
Artisans and craftspeople worked with pottery, porcelain, metals like bronze and later iron to craft vessels, sculptures, art and weapons. They also made paper and silk.