Shang Dynasty and Ancient Chinese History

Study Notes

Marked the middle of China's Bronze Age and made significant contributions to Chinese civilization
First dynasty to have left behind written records and solid archaeological evidence of its existence
Second dynasty of the Three Dynasties Period

Legends speak of the earlier Xia dynasty, but no written records have been found to confirm its existence
Western scholars argue that texts written later than the Shang Dynasty are not enough to prove it truly existed
Many Chinese scholars believe that the Xia did indeed exist, even if written records have never been found

Occupied the Yellow River valley, which is often called the birthplace or cradle of Chinese civilization
However, the Shang was not the only civilization in China during that time, and other distinct cultures existed elsewhere

Discovery of oracle bones and interpretation of their inscriptions provided firm proof that the Shang Dynasty existed
Oracle bones were used by the king or professional diviners to make predictions about the future or answer questions
Scribes carved questions onto bones or tortoise plastrons, and then inserted a hot metal rod into small pits to create cracks, which the king or diviner interpreted
Oracle bone inscriptions and bronze inscriptions mark the beginning of written Chinese history

By analyzing oracle bone inscriptions, other artifacts, and archaeological sites, scholars have pieced together many details of Shang civilization
Confirmed the names of its kings, its style of government, its military history, its religious beliefs and rituals, and its society

Founded by Cheng Tang around 1600 BCE, according to legend
Monarchy governed by a series of kings, 29 or 30 in total, over the course of almost 600 years
The king was served by officials who held specialized positions of authority and function, and belonged to a hereditary class of aristocrats, usually related to the king himself