History of China Western Chou
11th c. - 771 B.C.





The Shang Dynasty, 16th - 11th century B.C.



The oldest Chinese Dynastu for which we have documentary evidence. Dates given for it's beginning range from 1760 to 1523 B.C., for it's termination from 1122 to 1030 B.C.. The center of Shang China was Henan on the Hwangho river, from time to time a new capital was established; the final capital of Shang China was YIN; the name Yin Dynasty is also applied (from 1401 onward). A famous ruler was ZHOU WANG, 1154-1121 B.C.
Shang dynasty China was based on agriculture (millet, rice), as well as urban centers. The cities had a stereotypical shape leading to the conclusion that they had been planned; they were arranged around the central palace. Society was divided in groups of different status - nobility, commoners, slaves. The nobility found it's primary function in warfare. Metals were highly valued
The dominant religious belief was TAO or the Way; ancestors were worshipped, oracles were read. The king issued a CALENDAR of 360 days divided in 12 months each.
Written sources on Shang China are sketchy; much of what is written about this period of Chinese history is based on archaeological evidence. Among these SHANG BRONZES stand out, admired for their refinedness and quality.






EXTERNAL
FILES 		Ancient Dynasties, from History of China, online edition of the Army Area Handbook, posted by Leon Poon ; gives names in transcription and in Chinese characters
The Shang Dynasty 1523-1027 B.C., from China and East Asia Chronology from North Park
Chinese History Timeline, from Daoism Depot
DOCUMENTS List of Emperors of the Shang Dynasty, from friesian.com
REFERENCE



This page is part of World History at KMLA
First posted on January 14th 2002, last revied on April 1st 2007

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