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Shang Dynasty

By: Casey Turezyn. Shang Dynasty. A Myth?. The Shang Dynasty was originally thought to be the setting of old fables Only after excavations of the 1900s uncovered remnants of the Empire was the dynasty officially recognized

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Shang Dynasty

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  1. By: Casey Turezyn Shang Dynasty

  2. A Myth? • The Shang Dynasty was originally thought to be the setting of old fables • Only after excavations of the 1900s uncovered remnants of the Empire was the dynasty officially recognized • Oracle bones, bronze medallions and jade trinkets discovered in tombs and cellars

  3. The dynasty was headed by a King, called a “Son of Heaven” • The King ruled with the help of a few select aristocrat men • These men were tied to the King through family or marriage • An organized army ensured the safety of the people • Structured government allowed for the construction of the capital city, Anyang Government

  4. Organization of City • At the center or the capital was the palace of the King • Surrounding the palace were houses of commoners • Small, rectangular homes constructed with wood and clay • The cities also contained “pithouses” used to store grains and supplies • Some cities, such as Zhengzhou, were surrounded by walls stretching more than 4 miles • The walls could reach heights of 27 feet

  5. Economy • The Shang economy was based mainly on agriculture • Millet and wheat were common products produced by the people • While the dynasty focused on agriculture, the people did not use advanced farming methods • Used hoes instead of plows • Grains harvested with sickles • Trade also influenced the economy • Bronze, silk, jade and pottery

  6. Religion • Beliefs focused on respect of ancestors, reverence to animal spirits and offerings to the many gods • Shang Di was the chief god • Human sacrifices were common among the Shang people • After success in battle or building, slaves would be sacrificed to show appreciation

  7. Religion Continued • The King and chief priests would use the language to ask questions of the gods • The questions were written on sheep and goat bones and slightly burned in a fire • After the burning, cracks would appear and the chief priests would interpret their meaning

  8. Achievements • The Shang dynasty was one of the first to create an accurate calendar • Bronze weapons • Silk • Pottery • Similar to porcelain, but missing the glaze • Most noted for their ideographs, or system of writing • Complex system of 3,000 characters • Often only wealthy families knew the written language • Organized cities • Advanced government

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