99.+Song+Dynasty+culture

SONG DYNASTY ECONOMY 

The economy of the Song dynasty was innovative and successful. The first ever banknote was printed on a massive scale during this time. Oversea traders traveled as far as East Africa. During this dynasty, both a unified tax system and complex trade routes were developed, which meant the development of a nationwide market system. To increase revenue for certain products, the government of the Song imposed monopolies. This in turn helped the dynasty to secure important elements that were vital for their survival. During the Song dynasty, cotton and sugarcane were introduced to the agricultural economy, and tea plantation sized increased threefold.

Below: Jiaozi, the world's first paper currency. 

= SONG DYNASTY ARCHITECTURE = The architecture of the Song dynasty was greatly influenced by the architecture of it’s predecessors. However, the real claim to fame for Song dynasty agriculture was the palace like architectural style, elegant tombs, massive bridges of wood and stone, and large Buddhist pagodas. Books on architecture became a more common occurrence during the song dynasty. On top of the buildings that are still in existence from this period, we can gain more understanding about Song dynasty architecture from its integration in art and illustrations from books. Left: Liuhe Pagoda of the Song Dynasty, Below: Bianjing outer city of the Song Dynasty. 

SONG DYNASTY ART: Song Dynasty art was a generally accepted passtime for the wealthy. These art forms included painting, calligraphy, and poetry. Literary advances were made as the Ci poetry form was developed and used.