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Jan 1, 1050
The end of the Shang
The Shang Dynasty ended in about 1050 BCE, when conquerors from the state of Zhou invaded the capital and successfully overtook the Shang Dynasty. They believed the Shang king was evil. The ending of the Shang dynasty was blamed on the king due to his excessive drinking, indulgent lifestyle, and immoral behavior. They no longer wanted him to rule. They blamed the Shang’s downfall on its king. http://spice.fsi.stanford.edu/docs/the_shang_dynasty_1600_to_1050_bce -
Jan 1, 1250
Oracle bones in use
Oracle bone inscriptions are the oldest known form of Chinese writing. Most of what is known about the Shang Dynasty is from the evidence of oracle bones.
http://spice.fsi.stanford.edu/docs/the_shang_dynasty_1600_to_1050_bce -
Jan 1, 1250
Writing is developed
Scholars have displayed several links to show that the Shang had already developed all the principles of the modern writing system used today. Chinese writing has undergone relatively few changes since it was first developed.
Writing was also inscribed on bronze objects. The oracle bones and bronze inscriptions were the only written history from the Shang era.It increased the government’s ability to organize on a large scale
http://spice.fsi.stanford.edu/docs/the_shang_dynasty_1600_to_1050_bce -
Taoism develops
The philosophy of Taoism grew into a religion of the peasant classes during the Shang Dynasty. The peasants lived closely with nature. Their observations of the natural world influenced their philosophy, they incorporated was the concept of eternity with nature.
http://www.ancient.eu/Taoism/ -
Steel smelting
During the Shang Dynasty China went into a flourishing period for steel smelting.
http://kaleidoscope.cultural-china.com/en/10Kaleidoscope10695.html -
Making of porcelain
Early in the 16th century BC during the Shang Dynasty porcelain began to appear in China.
The earliest porcelain was called "primitive porcelain".
http://history.cultural-china.com/en/54History3221.html -
A Stratified Government and Society
The Shang govermental system was organized into a hierarchy, meaning that it had many levels of rank and many specialized functions and jobs, all passed down within a noble family.
http://spice.fsi.stanford.edu/docs/the_shang_dynasty_1600_to_1050_bce -
Start of the middle Bronze Age
The Shang Dynasty existed during China’s bronze age. At that time, bronze represented power, wealth, and luxury. Shang bronzes fall into two categories: weapons or ceremonial vessels for food and wine. The artistry and workmanship of the bronze pieces reveal the Shang’s mastery of bronze technology.
http://spice.fsi.stanford.edu/docs/the_shang_dynasty_1600_to_1050_bce -
The Use of the Chariot and Bronze Weapons in Warfare
The advancement of bronze technology and the use of bronze weapons gave the Shang military a great advantage over their enemies and altered the way they fought wars.
Chariots allowed commanders to supervise their troops efficiently and across great distances. By making them highly mobile and fast they were able to take advantage. This allowed the Shang to maintain its military supremacy. http://spice.fsi.stanford.edu/docs/the_shang_dynasty_1600_to_1050_bce -
Tang founded the Shang dynasty
According to legend, the Shang Dynasty was founded sometime around 1600 BCE by a man named Cheng Tang, who overthrew the evil king of the legendary Xia. Cheng Tang is said to have established the dynasty’s first capital at a town called Shang.
