Technology
- Invention of paper in 105 A.D. - helped spread education and expanded Chinese bureaucracy
- Collar harness for horses - allowed horses to pull heavier loads
- Plow with two blades
- Improved iron tools
- Invention of the wheel barrel
- Began using water mills to grind grain
Agriculture
Chinese considered agriculture to be the most important and honored job because there was so many people to feed. An imperial edict that was written in 167 B.C. stated that "agriculture is the foundation of the world,". The government had monopolies, which occur when a group has all control over the production/distribution of a certain item, on salt mining, iron forging, coin minting, and alcohol brewing.
The Chinese realized how valuable their silk was when contact with people from other places increased. The demand for silk helped Chinese commerce expand along the silk road to Asia, through India, and to Rome.
The Chinese realized how valuable their silk was when contact with people from other places increased. The demand for silk helped Chinese commerce expand along the silk road to Asia, through India, and to Rome.