In modern society, we usually receive salaries on a monthly basis, but what about the income situation of the ancients? Due to differences in historical periods and regions, the income levels of the ancients were also vastly different. This article will take you to understand how much money the ancients could earn in a month under different dynasties.

1. Pre-Qin Period

During the Pre-Qin Period, the monetary economy had not yet fully developed, and people mainly traded goods for goods. The aristocracy owned land and slaves, and their income mainly came from the output of land and the exploitation of slaves. Ordinary people made their living through farming, hunting, and fishing, and their income was unstable and difficult to measure in modern currency.

2. Qin and Han Dynasties

During the Qin and Han Dynasties, with the development of the monetary economy, a more standardized salary system emerged. The income of officials was mainly composed of salaries issued by the court, and the amount was determined according to the rank of the official. According to the "Shi Huo Zhi" of the "Han Shu", during the Western Han Dynasty, the monthly salary of a county magistrate was about 2000 coins, which was equivalent to several hundred yuan in modern purchasing power.

3. Tang and Song Dynasties

During the Tang and Song Dynasties, commerce was prosperous and the monetary economy further developed. The salaries of officials included money, grain, cloth, etc., among which money was the main source of income. According to the "Bai Guan Zhi" of the "Xin Tang Shu", the monthly salary of a ninth-rank official was about 3 strings of money, which was equivalent to more than 1000 yuan in modern Chinese currency. In addition, the Song Dynasty also implemented the "Zhi Tian Zhi", which divided some official fields to be cultivated by officials to supplement their income.

4. Ming and Qing Dynasties

During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the income of officials was still mainly based on salaries, but due to inflation and other factors, the actual purchasing power decreased. According to the "Zhi Guan Zhi" of the "Ming Shi", the monthly salary of a seventh-rank official was about 2 liang of silver, which was equivalent to several thousand yuan in modern Chinese currency. At the same time, officials could also increase their income through means such as levying taxes and accepting bribes.

Conclusion:

In summary, the income of the ancients varied from era to era, region to region, and position to position, and it was difficult to directly compare it with modern currency. However, by understanding the income situation of the ancients, we can better understand the economic situation and living standards of ancient society. While reviewing history, it also makes us appreciate the life we have now more.

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