Download The Shang Dynasty

The Shang Dynasty
1766 BCE - 1027 BCE
The Shang dynasty ruled parts of northern and central China. Its capital city
was located at Anyang near the border of Henan from about 1384 BCE. This
dynasty was based on agriculture; millet, wheat, and barley were the primary
crops grown. In addition to the crops, silkworms, pigs, dogs, sheep, and
oxen were raised. Aside from their agricultural prowess, the Shang dynasty
was also advanced in metallurgy. Bronze ships, weapons, and tools were
found from that era.
The Shang dynasty was an aristocratic society, with a king ruling over the
military nobility. Territorial rulers were appointed by him in return for their
support in his military campaigns. Underneath the aristocratic class was the
priest class. The priests kept the records of the government and were also in
charge of religion. The religion in the time of the Shang dynasty was based
on ancestor worship and a worship of many gods; the main god was known
as Shang Ti, the Lord on High.
The fall of the Shang dynasty was much like that of the Xia dynasty, the last
king was a cruel tyrant. Instead of the people overthrowing the king, he was
killed by a king from a rival kingdom, the Chou kingdom. The Chou dynasty
was part of the Shang kingdom; its civilization was a combination of the
Shang culture and that of non-Chinese civilizations.