1. Agriculture: The Shang rulers controlled large areas of fertile land and organized agricultural production. They collected taxes and tributes from farmers, which included crops, livestock, and other agricultural products.
2. Trade: The Shang rulers engaged in extensive trade with neighboring regions. They traded agricultural products, bronze goods, jade, and other valuable items.
3. Tribute: The Shang rulers received tribute from vassal states and conquered territories. These tributes consisted of valuable goods such as gold, silver, bronze, jade, and exotic animals.
4. Warfare and Plunder: The Shang rulers often engaged in warfare to expand their territory and control trade routes. They plundered conquered territories and took valuable resources and goods as war booty.
5. Royal Workshops and Craftsmen: The Shang rulers had royal workshops and skilled craftsmen who produced bronze goods, pottery, jade carvings, and other luxury items. These products were used by the ruling elite and also traded for other valuable goods.
6. Labor Force: The Shang rulers had access to a large labor force, including slaves, prisoners of war, and commoners who worked on royal projects such as construction, agriculture, and craft production.
By combining these sources of wealth, the Shang rulers accumulated significant material resources and power.