The Shang Dynasty

Dave Apruzzese

Earliest Civilizati

onThe first civilizations were

brought up through the agricultural revolution.

Farmers planted crops using tools like hoes and digging

sticks.

By 1650 B.C rulers expanded, conquering

different farming villages and setting up the Shang

Dynasty. (pg 328)

The Shang dynastyRuled in the northeastern regions of China

along the Yellow River valley.

Ruled until 1911, more than 3,500 years.

Set up the basis for Chinese Civilization. ( pg 328)

Shang Dynasty’s Government

aristocratic society- a king ruling over the military nobility

Local rulers were appointed for their support in military battles.

Capital- Anyang, in the northern Henan province.

Had many palaces, temples, and burial sites.

Well organized army consisting of nobles, peasants, and slaves to fight off intruders.

Rulers supervised flood control projects because it would benefit their people and strengthen the rulers power.

(pg 328)

ReligionBelieved that heaven was the the home of many gods and spirits.

Shang di - Chief God

If the gods were happy it would result in good harvests, but if they were disgruntled it would result in

famine.

The king is the link between man and heaven. He asked the spirits of his ancestors to find out god’s will.

(pg 328)

AncestorsThe source of political

power was through ancestors.

Dead ancestors went to heaven

Ritual life of Shang court was sequence of sacrifices

to ancestors.

(Hooker)

Shang Dynasty Achievements

( pg 329 )

Bronze Uses• vessels necessary for ritual sacrifice

• Held wine, food, and water.

• Helped the production of weapons and musical instruments.

• Helped create future inventions like the wagon.

(Hooker)

Oracle Inscriptions• Scripts carved on tortoise shells and ox

scapulas , which are considered to be the earliest written language of China.

• Used to keep records of important events.

• Helped historians uncover secrets of the past unlike the the earlier civilizations in which they could only guess. (Pg 329)

The Downfall of the Dynasty

• The Shang declined in 1050 B. C

•The Zhou dynasty invaded and conquered the Shang.