The Song dynasty had many economical achievements, making it one of the most advanced places in the world at the time. The government introduced a new type of rice that ripened early, allowed time for two harvests per year. 1. Farmers used this extra food to sell at the market for additional money. This surplus of food may have led to a dramatic increase in population; 60 million people to around 100 million. For the first time ever, the Song dynasty printed paper money 2. which was easier to carry and trade with.
Maritime trade, since it was cheaper than overland trade, was used more. Song boats traded with Korea, Japan, and Persia. 3 The boats used at the time, were the most advanced in the world. They had strong sides that helped with flotation and protected the cargo on board. Also, it was equipped with a rudder to assist in steering and oars and sails to make it go faster. These boats could hold over a hundred men. 4 In 1119, the compass was perfected as it was fixed to the ship and the needle was made smaller. 5
The Song, exported things such as tea, silk, books, and porcelain. They imported silver, horses, camels, and sheep. The Song dynasty also created some of the most magnificent cities in the world. Hangzhou said by Marco Polo to be "the finest and most splendid city in the world". 6 Hangzhou had many bridges of stone because the whole city was on the water. Hangzhou also had 2000 baths which were supplied from nearby springs. Huge markets in the city sold vegetables, meat, fish, and, fruits and could hold 40,000 to 50,000 people. 7
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1. John Chaffee, The Song Commercial Revolution in Calliope 13, no. 4 (Peterborough: ePals Publishing, December 2002), 32.
2."Paper Money," China Culture, last modified 2003, accessed November 15, 2014, http://www.chinaculture.org/gb/en_madeinchina/2005- 06/28/content_70185.htm. (picture from here as well)
3."Song Engagement with the Outside World," Asia for Educators, last modified 2008, accessed November 14, 2014, http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/song/out/trade.htm.
4."Technological Advances during the Song," Asia for Educators, last modified 2008, accessed November 14, 2014, http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/song/tech/compass.htm.
5. Ibid.
6."The cities of the Song" Asia for Educators, last modified 2008, accessed November 14, 2015, http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/song/urban/hangzhou.htm.
7.Marco Polo and Rustichello of Pisa, “Book Second, Part III, Chapter LXXVI: Description of the Great City of Kinsay, Which Is the Capital of the Whole Country of Manzi” and “Book Second, Part III, Chapter LXXVII: Further Particulars Concerning the Great City of Kinsay,” in The Book of Ser Marco Polo: The Venetian Concerning Kingdoms and Marvels of the East, translated and edited by Colonel Sir Henry Yule, Volume 2 (London: John Murray, 1903). in "The cities of the Song" Asia for Educators, last modified 2008, accessed November 14, 2015, http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/song/urban/hangzhou.htm.
2."Paper Money," China Culture, last modified 2003, accessed November 15, 2014, http://www.chinaculture.org/gb/en_madeinchina/2005- 06/28/content_70185.htm. (picture from here as well)
3."Song Engagement with the Outside World," Asia for Educators, last modified 2008, accessed November 14, 2014, http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/song/out/trade.htm.
4."Technological Advances during the Song," Asia for Educators, last modified 2008, accessed November 14, 2014, http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/song/tech/compass.htm.
5. Ibid.
6."The cities of the Song" Asia for Educators, last modified 2008, accessed November 14, 2015, http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/song/urban/hangzhou.htm.
7.Marco Polo and Rustichello of Pisa, “Book Second, Part III, Chapter LXXVI: Description of the Great City of Kinsay, Which Is the Capital of the Whole Country of Manzi” and “Book Second, Part III, Chapter LXXVII: Further Particulars Concerning the Great City of Kinsay,” in The Book of Ser Marco Polo: The Venetian Concerning Kingdoms and Marvels of the East, translated and edited by Colonel Sir Henry Yule, Volume 2 (London: John Murray, 1903). in "The cities of the Song" Asia for Educators, last modified 2008, accessed November 14, 2015, http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/song/urban/hangzhou.htm.