China’s First Civilization The Shang: China’s First Civilization

Shang Dynasty First people to establish an advanced civilization in China Shang Civilization evolved in Yellow River Valley It established the basis of Chinese culture

Bronze Age Empires

Introduction to Shang Notes The Shang were the first people to establish a civilization in China. They originated in the Yellow River Valley. They were ruled by a series of warrior kings and land owning nobles called aristocrats.

The last capital of the Shang was Anyang. The city was surrounded by massive walls of pounded earth. Laid out in a grid pattern.

The greatest Shang ruler was Wu Ding The greatest Shang ruler was Wu Ding. His wife, Fu Hao helped him govern. Her tomb contained thousands of bronze and jade artifacts and evidence of human sacrifice.

Document A Pictographs are pictures that represent objects and concepts. (Ancient) Ideographs are characters that represent an thing or idea. (Modern)

The Evolution of Chinese Writing during the Shang Pictographs Ideographs Mastery of Chinese writing required the memorization of over 10,000 characters, which took years to learn.

Doc B Ancestor Worship The Chinese believed that dead ancestors had great influence with the gods. Prayers were directed toward these ancestors in hopes of serving the community. Kings and nobles viewed themselves as the important intermediaries between the people and their gods and ancestors. Offerings of food and wine were often given to ancestors during religious ceremonies.

Glorious Ancestors Ah, the glorious ancestors- Endless, their blessings, Boundless their gifts are extended; We have brought them clear wine; They will give victory. Here, too, is soup well-seasoned, Setting all quarrels aside, They make safe for us a ripe old age, We shall reach the withered cheek, we shall go on and on. With eight bells a jangle We come to make offering. The charge put upon us is vast and mighty, From Heaven dropped our prosperity, Good harvests, great abundance. They come [the ancestors], they accept, They send down blessings numberless.

Document C: Oracle Bones This process is called divination.

Yin and Yang The Chinese believed the universe reflected a delicate balance between the forces of Yin and Yang. Yin is linked to earth, darkness, and female forces. Yang stands for Heaven, light, and male forces. These forces are not in opposition, but must remain in balance with one another.

Doc D: Shang Bronzes By 2000 bce the Chinese had acquired bronze metallurgy. Possession of bronze objects was a sign of authority and nobility, and often used in state religious rituals.

Doc E: Filial Piety Filial Piety means showing respect and loyalty for one’s parents. It was a primary virtue in Chinese social life. How does the following document represent the values of Filial Piety?

On Filial Piety Meng Tzu asked about the treatment of parents. The Master said, "Never disobey!" When Fan Ch'ih was driving his carriage for him, the Master said, "Meng asked me about the treatment of parents and I said, 'Never disobey!'" Fan Ch'ih said, "In what sense did you mean it?" The Master said, "While they are alive, serve them according to ritual. When they die, bury them according to ritual and sacrifice to them according to ritual." Tzu-yu asked about the treatment of parents. The Master said, '''Filial sons' nowadays are people who see to it that their parents get enough to eat. But even dogs and horses are cared for to that extent. If there is no feeling of respect, wherein lies the difference?"

A Traditional Chinese House This house was designed to have three or four generations of a Chinese family under the same roof.

Silk Making The process of creating silk was discovered by the Shang. Silk worms, which spin cocoons after eating mulberry trees, were raised for the precious thread they produce.