Patricia Berry Courtney Stinebiser Shang Dynasty 1650-1046 B.C. Patricia Berry Courtney Stinebiser

Shang Facts The Shang is the second dynasty of the Three Dynasties Period. Legends speak of the earlier Xia dynasty, but no written records from that time have been found to confirm this. So it is thought of as the first dynasty. Called the birthplace or cradle of Chinese civilization. (Located by the Yellow River.)

Leaders King Tang overthrew the evil king of the legendary Xia. The Shang Dynasty was a monarchy governed by a series of kings, 29 or 30 in total, over the course of almost 600 years . Pan Geng Best known for having moved the capital of the Shang Dynasty from Bo (today’s Shangqiu City, Hennan Province) to Yin (today’s Xiaotun in Anyang County, Henan Province), renamed from Beimeng in the 3rd year of his reign. The country was prosperous during his reign.

Continued… Wu Ding was the best emperor after Pan Geng. He enlarged the domain of the country through a war. Social productivity developed to a high level, including aspects of textile, medicine, and astronomy. There were great achievements during his reign. Zhou was the last ruler of the Shang Dynasty He acted atrociously toward his people.  He was finally defeated by the tribe of Zhou.

Achievements When the Shang dynasty was ruling, great significance was attached to agriculture. As more and more people began to fish, fishing began to develop as in industry and help the Chinese economy grow. Improvements were made in bronze casting techniques that allowed delicate musical instruments to be completed. Written characters of Shang Dynasty which are considered the oldest Chinese written form for communication. The Chinese calendar system also continued to progress. They had advanced pottery technology, bronze work, weapons made from jade and military victories. They also traveled by horse drawn carriages.

Achievements cont. - developed a refined writing system that had over 2000 symbols - made jewelry and decorations from jade - invented the yoke, harness, and spoked wheel - began to use horse-drawn chariots - created a 12 month calendar with 365 and 1/4 days, based on the moon's cycles - made bronze weapons - made bronze armor - made bronze tools - made bronze ritual vessels with a high level of artistry and skill - mass production of bronze items - the first dynasty to unite a large part of China under one king - developed the decimal system - made fine woven silk

Notable Events Shang Dynasty moved its capital six times. The final and most important move to Yin in 1350 BC led to the golden age of the dynasty. Shang troops fought frequent wars with neighboring settlements and nomadic herdsmen from the inner Asian steppes. Shang Zhou, the last Yin king, committed suicide after his army was defeated by the Zhou people. Legends say that his army betrayed him by joining the Zhou rebels in a decisive battle.

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