Hierarchy of Ancient China

Hierarchy was very important in Ancient China. The Chinese believed in strict social groups, in which people were expected to  behave according to. People that were in the same social groups, would interact with each other. Beneath the Emperor, were four main social classes. Nobles and officials, peasants, artisans and merchants.

Imperial family

The Emperor and his family were at the top of the social hierarchy in Ancient China. The Emperor would rule from a palace in the capital city.

Nobles and Officials

The noble class of Ancient china, was typically the extended family of the emperor and those who excelled in their area. These people were very privileged and often owned lots of possessions.

Officials were another group that had a high social status. These were boys who had been fortunate enough to go to school, and worked hard to pass a difficult exam, that would help them become a professional in their area.

Peasants

Although peasants were one of the lowest social classes, they were still considered important, as they produced the food for the area. Peasants were not very well off, and often had hard times when their crops failed.

Artisans

Artisans were part of the common class. The people included painters, carpenters, potters and jewelry makers to name a few. Artisans earned more than peasants but less than merchants.

Merchants

Merchants were very well off as they included animal breeders, money leaders and traders. Merchants were considered as the lowest social class as people believed that they worked only for themselves, and didn't contribute to the whole society.

Slaves 

Slaves did exist in Ancient China however their were a very small percentage of them. Some were the relatives of criminals, and others sold themselves or their children because they were poor.