The correct answer to the first question is answer B ("They claimed a divine approval to rule").
The kings of the Zhou Dynasty were actually the first to utilize the concept of "mandate of heaven" <u>to legitimize the overthrowing of the previous dynasty (the Shang) and their subsequent ruling of China</u>. They believed that <u>the monarch embodied the natural order of the universe and was likened to the son of God</u>. It was different from the concept of "divine right" of kings in Europe, because it also contemplated rebellion. A ruler could be taken out by rebels if he was unjust. If he were to be defeated this would also prove he was unworthy. Natural disasters such as floods and famines, were interpreted as a sign that the heavens did not approve of the current ruler.
The correct answer to the second question is answer D ("Through trade on the Silk Road").
In times when sea travel was yet very under-developed, one of the only two routes existing on land to travel West, was the Silk Road. The territories of China were isolated from the west by the planet's highest mountains and vastest deserts, which would've made the country's prosperity endangered. <u>However, the Shang, Zhou and Han dynasties worked to excel at producing multiple kinds products that were lacking in Europe such as silk, paper and porcelain</u>. Through the Silk Road, westerners could reach China in search of these greatly valued goods that they could only obtain there.
Hope this helps!
