What jobs were there in the Shang Dynasty?

Narrator: In the Shang dynasty you weren’t 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’re 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’ll 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’t smash themselves.