Specialization of Labour

• Farming

Most Farmers were lent a plot of land by either the government or by a rich family who owned a land but they have to give landlords a large share of their produce.

Chinese Farming Calendar

• Defence

Many North Asian tribes tried to look for opportunities to raid the empires. Thus, the First Emperor of China ordered all existing walls should be joined up into a single thick one. Thousands of men were ordered to do this huge task, resulting the death of many. This thick, long wall is now called "The Great Wall of China."

During the Han Dynasty, all fit men between the ages 23 and 56  had to serve in the army for two years. They were prepared to join it again in case of emergencies.

• Iron Casting

When Iron was discovered in China, the Chinese started producing farming tools and weapons.

Early Iron Factory

The skillful Chinese methods of iron casting were not developed until much later.