The Shang Dynasty China’s First Historical Dynasty

Questions How do we know about the Shang today? How do we know about the Shang today? Where was the Shang’s capital? Where is it located on the map of China? Where was the Shang’s capital? Where is it located on the map of China? What do the tombs tell us about the Shang? What do the tombs tell us about the Shang?

Questions How do we know about the Shang today? How do we know about the Shang today? Where was the Shang’s capital? Where is it located on the map of China? Where was the Shang’s capital? Where is it located on the map of China? What do the tombs tell us about the Shang? What do the tombs tell us about the Shang?

The Origin of the Shang China was controlled by the Xia dynasty, whose king was a tyrant. China was controlled by the Xia dynasty, whose king was a tyrant. Tang the Victorious defeated the Xia and became the first Shang King Tang the Victorious defeated the Xia and became the first Shang King

The Shang in Control Over their 600 years of rule, the Shang expanded their territory Over their 600 years of rule, the Shang expanded their territory They also had many capitals, including the city of Anyang They also had many capitals, including the city of Anyang Many of the Shang artifacts found in modern times are from this city Many of the Shang artifacts found in modern times are from this city

The Mandate of Heaven Mandate of Heaven – Said that the king was chosen by heaven, and would rule with goodness and wisdom. When he failed, the people had the right to overthrow the king. Mandate of Heaven – Said that the king was chosen by heaven, and would rule with goodness and wisdom. When he failed, the people had the right to overthrow the king.

Innovations of the Shang Bronze Working Bronze Working Shang used bronze for war, farming, and religious ceremonies Shang used bronze for war, farming, and religious ceremonies Bronze vessels could be as heavy as 1,900 pounds Bronze vessels could be as heavy as 1,900 pounds

Examples of Bronze

Innovations of the Shang The Shang invented Writing in China The Shang invented Writing in China They often wrote on bamboo, bones, and perhaps silk They often wrote on bamboo, bones, and perhaps silk

Chinese Writing Early Chinese writing was done in pictographs, where each symbol looked like the word it meant Early Chinese writing was done in pictographs, where each symbol looked like the word it meant As time went on, the symbols became more elaborate and more like modern Chinese writing As time went on, the symbols became more elaborate and more like modern Chinese writing

Modern Chinese Writing

Shang Culture: Oracle Bones Kings used oracle bones to guide their decisions They used both animal bones and shells of turtles

Oracle Bones: How they worked Kings would write a question on the bone, then give it to a fortune teller Kings would write a question on the bone, then give it to a fortune teller The fortune teller would then hold it over a fire, which would crack the bone The fortune teller would then hold it over a fire, which would crack the bone The fortune teller would then interpret the cracks to give an answer The fortune teller would then interpret the cracks to give an answer

Famous Shang People Fu Hao Fu Hao Queen to King Wu Ding in the late 13 th century B.C.E. Queen to King Wu Ding in the late 13 th century B.C.E. Also a great general, she once led an army of 13,000 soldiers Also a great general, she once led an army of 13,000 soldiers

Fu Hao Wu Ding cared a lot about Fu Hao. He often consulted the oracles to ensure her safety Wu Ding cared a lot about Fu Hao. He often consulted the oracles to ensure her safety When Fu Hao died, Wu Ding had her buried in an elaborate tomb with jade art and bronze axes. When Fu Hao died, Wu Ding had her buried in an elaborate tomb with jade art and bronze axes.

The End of the Shang The Zhou conquered the Shang around 1027 B.C.E. The Zhou claimed that the Shang lost the Mandate of Heaven