Shang Dynasty

Shang Dynasty

Sickle-shaped Weapon
Sickle-shaped Weapon

Originally a tribe living in the lower regions of the Yellow River during the Xia Dynasty (21st - 17th century BC), Shang Dynasty was established by King Tang in 1675 BC after overthrowing the tyrannical rule of Jie, (Xia's last emperor). This dynasty lasted over 600 years and was led by 30 different emperors. As the capital of the Shang was always based in Yin (the now Xiaotun Village, in Anyang City of Henan Province), it is also known as 'Yin Shang'.
 

Political History

Drawing from the 'lessons' of Jie, Tang implemented a series of innovative measures with the help of his two ministers. He is best known for abolishing the persecution and oppression of the people carried out by Jie, and for governing his people with benevolence and compassion. During his reign, conflicts eased, people lived happy lives, and the country prospered. In all areas, from economy to culture, there were great achievements.

The dynasty flourished through the reign of the ninth emperor. During the rule of the tenth emperor however, conditions began to deteriorate and there were multiple attempts by the emperor's own family to overthrow him and take command of the kingdom. Social problems began to emerge and the emperor's power gradually declined.
 

A Three-legged Wine Heating Vessel with A Mouth of Double-Phoenix-Pillar
A Three-legged Wine
Heating Vessel

During the final period, the country was in turmoil and vassals from other countries began to rebel. Despite the turmoil and the impending uprising, Emperor Zhou (Shang's last emperor) led a luxurious life and tortured both his ministers and his people. This intensified conflicts across the kingdom and the empire was finally overthrown by Wu (chief of Zhou tribe), ending the long reign of the Shang Dynasty in Chinese history.
 

Economy

Shang rulers attached great importance to agriculture. Fishing began to grow as an industry as the people fished in the fresh waters.

In the handicraft industry, the work was subtly allotted to many different workers and crafts were made in large quantities and varieties, showcasing the different techniques used during this time. The bronze wares in particular reached a high level of artistry that signified the Shang's advanced civilizationnasty. The most famous bronze work from this time is the Simuwu Quadripod, weighing 832.84 kg (about 1836 pounds) it is the largest and heaviest Chinese bronze vessel. Porcelain wares were also invented during this time, the jade carving techniques were of the highest quality and the woven silk fabrics displayed the great skill and capabilities of the artisans.

With the grown of the agriculture and handicraft industries, the commodity exchange was promoted and the role of the commodity exchange dealer began to appear in the late Shang.
 

Culture and Arts

In the field of music, there was also great progress. The improvements in the bronze casting techniques allowed for delicate musical instruments to be made. In Yin Xu (Yin Yuins) in Xiao Tun Village of Anyang City, archeologists discovered musical instruments of the Shang Dynasty including: Xun (Ocarina made of baked clay), drums, and copper cymbals.

Great advancements can also be seen in the written characters of Shang Dynasty which are considered the oldest Chinese written form for communication. The characters were usually carved on tortoise shells, animal bones, bronze wares or some other utensils. Many Oracle Script pieces that have been found in the Yin Ruins offer us many important events happened during that period.

 
Cooking Vessel with Ogre-mask Motif Pattern and Four Legs
Cooking Vessel
Mask with Man-face Motif
Mask with Man-face Motif

The sculpture produced during this time was also superb. Various kinds of patterns were carved on bronze, jade, and pottery wares. On other goods, like stones, animal bones, and horns, fine pictures can also be seen.

In terms of beliefs, Shang people believed that God dominates the world. They also worshipped their ancestors, the sun, the moon, the river, and the earth and sacrifice ceremonies were typically grand events. In addition, the art of fortune telling was popular during this time.
 

Science

The Oracle Scripts contain records about solar and lunar eclipses, stars and other celestial happenings. The records clearly demonstrate great advancements in astronomy. During this time, the calendar system continued to advance and in the area of math, people performed elementary accounting distinctions between odd and even numbers appeared.
 

Emperors

Order Name
Notes
Reign Time (years)
1
Tang Family name: Zi; Given name: Tang; He overthrew the tyrannical rule of Jie of the Xia Dynasty. The society was stable and the people lived happy lives during his reign.
30
2
Wai Bing Son of Tang
3
3
Zhong Ren Son of Tang and younger brother of Wai Bing
4
4
Tai Jia grandson of Tang
33
5
Wo Ding Son of Tai Jia
29
6
Tai Geng Son of Tai Jia and the younger brother of Wo Ding
25
7
Xiao Jia Son of Tai Geng
36
8
Yong Ji Brother of Xiao Jia; The dynasty began to decline under his rule.
12
9
Tai Wu Younger brother of Yong Ji
75
10
Zhong Ding Son of Tai Wu
11
11
Wai Ren Son of Tai Wu and younger brother of Zhong Ding
15
12
He Dan Jia Son of Tai Wu and younger brother of Wai Ren
9
13
Zu Yi Son of He Dan Jia; the Shang Dynasty came into prosperity again.
19
14
Zu Xin Son of Zu Yi
16
15
Wo Jia Son of Zu Yi and the younger brother of Zu Xin
20
16
Zu Ding Son of zu Xin
32
17
Nan Geng Son of Wo Jia
29
18
Yang Jia Son of Zu Ding; the country was in decline during his reign.
7
19
Pan Geng Son of Zu Ding and the younger brother of Yang Jia; He moved the capital to Yin, thus the dynasty is also called Yin Shang. The country was prosperous during his reign.
28
20
Xiao Xin Son of Zu Ding and the younger brother of Pan Geng. The country declined again in his reign.
21
21
Xiao Yi Son of Zu Ding and the younger brother of Xiao Xin
21
22
Wu Ding The best emperor after Pan Geng. He enlarged the domain of the country through a war. Social productivity developed to a high level, including aspects of textile, medicine, and astronomy. There were great achievements during his reign.
59
23
Zu Geng Son of Wu Ding
7
24
Zu Jia Son of Wu Ding and younger brother of Zu Geng
33
25
Lin Xin Son of Zu Jia
6
26
Geng Ding Son of Zu Jia and younger brother of Lin Xin
6
27
Wu Yi Son of Geng Ding
4
28
Tai Ding Son of Wu Yi
3
29
Di Yi Son of Tai Ding; the country was declined even worse.
37
30
Zhou Family name: Zi; Given name: Xin; He acted atrociously toward his people and doted on his imperial concubine, Daji. He was finally defeated by the tribe of Zhou.
33
- Last updated on Jan. 30, 2024 -
Questions & Answers on Shang Dynasty
Asked by Andy | Jan. 30, 2024 12:59Reply
What were some of the accomplishments?
Answers (1)
Answered by Hailey | Jan. 30, 2024 18:54
00Reply


1.Inscriptions on bones or tortoise shells of the Shang Dynasty is the earliest and relatively complete written language that has been discovered in China.

2. The bronze culture of Shang Dynasty occupies an important position in the history of ancient Chinese civilization, which indicates that Chinese bronze culture has developed to the stage of a higher level. A large number of bronzes unearthed in Yin ruins mainly include weapons, ritual vessels, musical Instruments, daily tools, production tools, ornaments, works of art and so on.

3. The Shang Dynasty attached great importance to the tradition of celestial observation, and there are many records about celestial phenomena in the Inscriptions of Yin Ruins. There are records of eclipses of the sun and moon, and there is a certain understanding of the star, which is the earliest record of nova observation in the world.

4. The numbers in the Oracle bones of the Shang Dynasty have clarified the concepts of the decimal system known to us today, such as odd numbers, even numbers and multiples, and people have had basic computing power at that time.
Asked by Paul McEnery from AUSTRALIA | Aug. 21, 2018 22:49Reply
Can you tell me more about the Three-legged Wine Heating Vessel pictured on this page ?
Please can you tell me all I know all you

Kind Regards

Paul
Answers (4)
Answered by Beth from USA | Aug. 22, 2018 20:25
00Reply


It was made of bronze and used to warm wine in the ancient time. It has three feet, a Pan (ear), two column and round mouth in the shape of horn.
Answered by Paul McEnery from AUSTRALIA | Aug. 22, 2018 23:13
00Reply


Hi Beth,

thanks for responding to my question. Do you know were this photo was taken? Is it in a museum, I have a very similar piece in my collection its called a double Phoenix Jia...from the late Shang Dynasty. Any additional information would help greatly in authentication of my piece.

Regards

Paul
Answered by Beth | Aug. 23, 2018 18:27
00Reply


If you have a chance to come to China, you can see that in National Museum of China, located at the east of Tian'anmen square in central Beijing. And I have little knowledge about this and you are advised to find a cultural relics expert to help you.
Answered by Paul McEnery from AUSTRALIA | Aug. 24, 2018 03:59
00Reply


Thanks your answer has been helpful

Paul
Asked by AMANI92 | Jan. 24, 2017 03:01Reply
Can you compare how travel has changed through the ages from the Shang Dynasty Era to modern day?
Answers (1)
Answered by Joanne from UNITED KINGDOM | Jan. 25, 2017 01:17
1117Reply


In ancient times, emperors, officers, scholars, and merchants often set out travels. Ordinary people were usually busy making a living and they seldom travelled.
The major transportation means were horses and carriages. Nowadays, travel becomes easier with various means, such as train, bus, boat, and plane.
Asked by Willyboy Ragadio from PHILIPPINES | Dec. 15, 2016 01:30Reply
What was the purpose of the Shang dynasty in building dikes?
Answers (1)
Answered by Lee from GERMANY | Dec. 15, 2016 20:54
516Reply


The dikes were constructed to prevent floods. :)
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