Many farmers used simple wooden or stone tools even after bronze and iron weapons were invented. The lives of peasant farmers consisted of many long, back-breaking hours tending to crops. Peasant farmers also had to serve in the army and help with government projects such as building walls and canals. Poor people spent most of their time growing and preparing food, or doing heavy work such as digging and carrying large loads. Since everyone had to pay taxes, farmers often paid their taxes in the form of grain or time spent working for the government.
Farmers use a method known as terracing which is cutting flat plains into hillsides.
They would farm on the flat plains. The flat plains looked like shelves coming out of the side of a hill. Cutting flat plains into the hillside would also slow erosion in a hilly area. Often the most important building on the farm was the granary. It was a tall, narrow building that was used for storing grain after the harvest.