From Wild Beasts to Domestic Companions

The term “six livestock” (六畜) in ancient China refers to pigs, horses, cattle, sheep, chickens, and dogs. Originally wild animals, they were gradually domesticated through long-term human intervention. Archaeological evidence from Neolithic sites along the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River reveals that pigs and dogs were already domesticated during the Yangshao culture period (5000–3000 BCE). Later, during the Longshan culture (3000–1900 BCE), horses, cattle, sheep, and chickens joined the ranks of domesticated animals.

Oracle bone inscriptions from the Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 BCE) confirm that these six animals were fully domesticated by at least 1000 BCE. Shang elites relied on slaves to raise them for food, hides, sacrificial offerings, and burial goods. Some royal tombs contained up to 400 sacrificial animals—a number impossible to obtain solely through hunting. Characters like 牢 (enclosure for cattle), 庠 (sheep pen), and 家 (pig under a roof) in oracle script depict early livestock housing, indicating sophisticated animal husbandry.

The Economic and Cultural Role of Livestock

By the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046–771 BCE), agriculture flourished, but livestock remained vital. The Classic of Poetry describes herds of 300 sheep and 90 oxen, reflecting thriving pastoral economies. During the Spring and Autumn period (771–476 BCE), livestock trading became lucrative. The merchant Fan Li famously advised, “To grow rich quickly, raise five breeding females” (cows, horses, pigs, sheep, and donkeys).

Pigs held particular importance due to their manure’s fertilizing value and rapid growth. Mencius noted that a household with five hens and two sows could ensure meat for elders. Horses, prized for transport and labor, topped the six livestock hierarchy—first pulling chariots, later serving as cavalry mounts. Cattle, indispensable for plowing, saw expanded use with iron plows in the Spring and Autumn era. Emperor Wu of Han later promoted advanced ox-drawn plows, spreading the technology to frontier regions.

Masters of Animal Husbandry

Ancient China produced legendary husbandry experts. Bo Le, a horse-whisperer from the Qin state, could identify ailing or exceptional steeds at a glance. One anecdote tells of him spotting a malnourished “thousand-mile horse” hauling a salt cart—a misallocation of talent that became a metaphor for unrecognized genius. Similarly, Han Dynasty herder Bu Shi expanded his flock from 100 to 1,000 sheep through expert care. These stories endure in idioms celebrating talent scouts (伯乐) and hidden potential (千里马).

The Dawn of Chinese Maritime Innovation

China’s maritime history stretches back millennia. Shang Dynasty bronze inscriptions depict traders ferrying goods by boat, while coastal states like Qi and Wu built vessels for war and exploration. By 485 BCE, Wu’s navy could launch seaborne attacks on Qi. Artifacts like the Warring States “Naval Battle Bronze Mirror” reveal early ship designs: upturned prows, oarsmen, and deck fighters.

Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) ship models, excavated in Changsha and Guangzhou, showcase advancements like curved hulls, cabins, and rudders. A Guangzhou pottery boat from the Eastern Han even features an anchor and lookout tower—proof of oceangoing capability. Military vessels grew colossal: Han “tower ships” stood over 10 zhang (23 meters) tall; Jin Dynasty (266–420 CE) battleships carried 2,000 troops with fortified decks.

Luxury and Technology on the Water

Imperial extravagance birthed floating palaces. Han Emperor Cheng’s “Cloud Boat” had mother-of-pearl bows, while Sui Dynasty (581–618 CE) Emperor Yang’s 200-foot dragon boats boasted gilded cabins and throne rooms. Meanwhile, innovation thrived: Jin polymath Zu Chongzhi invented paddlewheel “thousand-mile ships,” precursors to Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE) treadle-wheel warships.

Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE) merchants sailed 10-zhang (30-meter) “guest ships” across the Indian Ocean, armed with compasses and multi-sail rigs. Texts like Pingzhou Ke Tan (1119) document their celestial navigation techniques. These vessels, carrying 2,000 hu (120 tons) of cargo, cemented China’s role in global trade networks reaching Africa.

Enduring Legacies

The six livestock shaped China’s agrarian economy, culinary traditions, and linguistic heritage—their husbandry techniques still influence modern farming. Similarly, ancient shipbuilding breakthroughs laid foundations for later naval dominance. From Bo Le’s horsemanship to Song-era compass navigation, these innovations underscore China’s enduring contributions to animal domestication and maritime technology. Today, as archaeologists unearth more terracotta boats and oracle bones, each discovery reaffirms the sophistication of antiquity’s farmers and sailors.