The Shang appeared to possess a sizeable army of archer-warriors who road in horse drawn chariots. These elite warriors were accompanied by thousands of foot soldiers who were the drafted into military service when required. Normally, these soldiers were the farming population that was at the core of Shang society. A lowest level of slaves provided labor. Slaves were acquired as a result of war with neighboring tribes.
Ideology is an important means by which to legitimize ruling authority.
During the Shang period, shamanism was supreme. Shamans were able to mediate between the real and supernatural worlds. They also served as scribes and clerks, ceremonial dancers, and even high ranking governmental officials. One could consider these shamans as proto-intellectuals who controlled knowledge as well as religion. Shang influence eroded as a new group from the Zhou region spread eastward.