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The Shang dynasty, possibly the first dynasty of China, lasted from 1766 BC to 1050 BC. Archaeological discoveries confirm their existence, including oracle bones and metal artifacts. They focused on agriculture, had opulent capitals, and practiced warfare and religion. The dynasty declined and was overthrown by the Zhou dynasty.
The Shang dynasty, also known as the Yin dynasty, is believed by many to be the first dynasty of China. However, some historians believe that the first dynasty, the Xia, and its leader Chieh were overthrown by a man named T’ang, leading to the creation of the Shang. The Shang dynasty lasted from 1766 BC to 1050 BC and was ruled by more than 30 rulers during its centuries of influence.
Since the discovery of the Ruins of Yin and the discovery of bones from the Shang period, archaeologists have been able to confirm the existence of this civilization. Tombs, artifacts, and the remains of dwellings have been discovered near present-day Anyang City. Many of the “oracle bones” discovered were originally created in a question-and-answer format, with first a question to the oracle, an answer, and then a notation as to whether or not the prophecy came true.
The written refinement of this culture is one of its most important contributions to Chinese history. As the Shang Period occurred during the Bronze Age, many writings and images can also be found in metal pieces. The Shang people’s use of metal technology is another of their great achievements. The people who made up the Shang dynasty had weapons, chariot parts, and cult pieces all made from bronze.
Members of the Shang dynasty established their cities on the Yellow River and focused on agriculture, hunting, and cattle raising. They used simple farm equipment such as hoes to help in the fields, rather than ploughs. Most of these agricultural implements were made of stone or wood, despite advances in metalworking.
The capital of the Shang Dynasty moved frequently throughout its history, until finally settling in Yin. These capitals were often opulent centers for royal events, celebrations and rituals. The cities around the capital were called palace-cities and were enclosed by walls. These cities were replicas of the capital and housed military and religious buildings and housing for the aristocracy.
Warfare was common in the Shang dynasty, and the king was the leader of the army. At times, cities within the Shang civilization fought each other, but mostly the battles were fought against areas of northern China, neighboring settlements, and nomads.
Shang religion included rituals and ancestor worship, as well as sacrifice. Often many slaves and captives were killed or buried with a deceased king. “Shang Ti” was the main god worshiped by the Shang civilization; they believed that he ruled over all weather conditions, celestial bodies, smaller gods, and geographical areas.
The Shang civilization went through several years of decline and ended when it was overthrown by Wu and his father King Wen. Legend states that the last ruler of the Shang Dynasty, Shang Zhou, committed suicide when his military was defeated and that many Shang clans fled to other regions. Wu and Wen founded the Zhou dynasty.
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