Final answer:
The fundamental social unit during the later Zhou period was the aristocracy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Aristocracy refers to a form of government or social order in which political power and social status are held by a privileged and hereditary elite, often based on family lineage, wealth, or military prowess. The term is derived from the Greek words "aristos," meaning "best," and "kratos," meaning "rule" or "power." Aristocracy is one of the traditional forms of governance and social organization and has been present in various cultures throughout history.
The fundamental social unit during the later Zhou period was the aristocracy. The Zhou state and society were highly aristocratic, with political power held by a small elite class who owned large estates and dominated the serfs who worked for them. This social hierarchy was supported by possessions, rituals, and kin connections.