Shang Dynasty1600 to 1050 BCE

General Information

• Marked the middle of China’s Bronze Age

• The first dynasty to have left written records and solid archaeological evidence of its existence

• Birthplace or cradle of Chinese civilization

General Information

• Its founder is Cheng Tang

• Monarchy

• Has different capitalcities

• Shang (first and anancestral capital)

• Yin (last and apolitical capital)

Rise and Population

• Originally a tribe living in the lower regions of yellow river under Xia Dynasty

• Established by King Tang in 1675 BC

• 13.5 million people

Emperors

Names -----------Years

InPower

(1) Tang- Abolished Persecution and Oppression

- Society was stable and the people lived happy lives during his reign.

30

(9) Tai Wu-The dynasty was most prosperous in his reign

- Great crop harvests 75

(19) Pan Geng- Moved capital of Shang Dynasty to Yin

- Oracle bones unearthed alternatively record that he was the 18th king

28

(22) Wu Ding- Enlarged domain through war

- Social productivity developed (textile, medicine, astronomy)

59

(30) Zhou- Acted atrociously toward his people

- Doted on his imperial concubine, Daji.- Defeated by the tribe of Zhou.

33

Religion and culture

• Practiced polytheism (Shang Di = High God)

• Civilization was based on agriculture, hunting and animal husbandry

• Enjoyed the most advanced bronze civilization in the world

The End of the Shang

• 1050 BCE

• Conquerors from the state of Zhou

Contributions

• The Invention of Writing

-Oracle bone inscriptions

-Bronze objects

• A Stratified Government and Society

-Hierarchy

Oracle Bones

• Marked the beginning of written Chinese history

• Used to make predictions about the future

• Bronze Technology -Weapons -Ceremonial vessels for food or wine -Bronze was not used for common tools, such as hammers or hoes. -Piece-mold casting

• The Use of Chariot and Bronze Weapons in Warfare

-Bronze-tipped halberd and spear -Compound bow -Horse-drawn chariots

References

• http://www.chinese-traditions-and-culture.com/shang-dynasty.html

• http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/chinadynasties/p/032509ShangDynst.htm

• http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/history/shang/

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