Shang Dynasty Achievements: Major Accomplishments & Contributions

Study Notes

Shang Dynasty Achievements

The Shang Dynasty lasted from 1600 B.C.E. to 1046 B.C.E. and followed the Xia Dynasty.
The Shang Dynasty oversaw numerous achievements, including the development of:
- A writing system using oracle bones
- A calendar with 12 months, each having 30 days
- Bronze metallurgy and industrialized bronze casting
- A deep social system and hierarchy with Wangs (kings) at the top
King Cheng Tang (also called Zi Lu and Da Yi) was the first ruler of the Shang Dynasty, who:
- Abolished the oppressive policies under the Xia Dynasty
- Instituted policies that worked for the people
- Lowered excessive taxes
- Reduced the number of conscripts and their service time
- Instituted a social program to help poor families buy back their children

King Tang of the Shang Dynasty

King Tang was the ruler of Shang, one of the vassal kingdoms or tributary states within the Xia Dynasty.
He obtained many supporters due to Jie's cruelty and mistreatment of his people.
He gave a speech that sparked excitement and anger against Jie, giving him the "Mandate of Heaven" to pursue overthrowing Jie.

King Zhou of the Shang Dynasty

King Zhou was the last king of the Shang Dynasty, ruling from 1075 B.C.E. to 1046 B.C.E.
He was an intelligent and quick-tempered ruler who expanded the Shang territory by warring with nearby tribes.
According to legendary accounts, he became more interested in his concubine Daji than in ruling and engaged in cruel and debauched behavior.

Shang China Characteristics and Impact

The Shang Dynasty lasted from 1600 B.C.E. to 1046 B.C.E.
Most historians conclude that the foundation of Chinese civilization and culture was developed and established under the Shang Dynasty.
Characteristics and impacts include:
- Development of a writing system using oracle bones
- Development of a 12-month calendar
- Development of bronze metallurgy
- Development of a religion involving the worship of Shang Di and individual ancestors

Zhou Dynasty Achievements

The Zhou Dynasty rose to prominence after the death of King Zhou of Shang and lasted from 1046 B.C.E. to 256 B.C.E.
The Zhou Dynasty made significant contributions to technological innovations, cultural achievements, and infrastructural advancements, including:
- Increased use of bronze
- Development of iron tools and weapons
- Development of crossbows
- Massive irrigation projects
- Invention of chopsticks

List of Chinese Dynasties in Order

The Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties make up the ancient history of China.
The following timeline outlines a list of Chinese dynasties in order throughout history:
- 2070–1600 B.C.E.: The Xia Dynasty
- 1600–1046 B.C.E.: The Shang Dynasty
- 1046–771 B.C.E.: The Western Zhou Dynasty
- 771–256 B.C.E.: The Eastern Zhou Dynasty
- ... (continues to list the dynasties in chronological order)

Description

Learn about the significant achievements of the Shang Dynasty, the second dynasty of ancient China which thrived from 1600 B.C.E. to 1046 B.C.E. Explore their advancements in areas like writing systems, calendars, and bronze metallurgy.