A Shang lineage was a group of relatives who all descended from a shared ancestor. The Shang royal family belonged to one lineage. Aristocrats, craftsmen, and some farmers in andent China also belonged to lineages. People in the same lineage had the some last name and lived in the same area. Archaeologists estimate that 150 lineages lived in the Shang capital city of Yinxu (YiN-shoo) at any given time. Each lineage had between 100 and 200 members. Based on these estimates, about how many people lived in the Shang capital? \[ \begin{array}{l}1,500-3,000\end{array} \] \( 150,000-30,000 \)

The estimated population of the Shang capital, Yinxu, would have been lively and bustling, with around 15,000 to 30,000 people calling it home at any given time. This was largely due to the 150 lineages identified, each contributing between 100 and 200 members. It wasn’t just a royal dwelling; instead, it functioned as a center for trade, culture, and governance, making it a fascinating place in ancient China! Living in such close-knit communities allowed for unique social dynamics. Lineages often pooled their resources for communal projects, rituals, and celebrations. This interconnectedness fostered a strong sense of identity and belonging, differing from our often individualistic modern society. Imagine the networking opportunities and the vibrant cultural exchanges that must have taken place under the watchful gaze of the royal family!