The Shang Dynasty
Shang Dynasty quick facts:
- Developed the first recorded writing system found in China.
- Created a 360 day calendar which consisted of 12, 30 day months.
- Developed bronze tools, armor, and ritualistic vessels.
- Are accepted as the first genuine Chinese Dynasty
- Developed a decimal system of counting with symbols for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 100, 1,000, 10,000
Importance of the Shang Dynasty While an important dynasty in Chinese history, Shang's greatest contribution, and the reason why it is so significant, is that it was the first historical time period which produced written primary sources in the form of oracle bones, and is considered the first genuine Chinese Dynasty. These oracle bones were usually made out of bones from large animals such as goats and cows, or tortoise shells, and were used to ask questions of great importance regarding warfare, childbirth, health, and the weather. The answer was provided by skewering the bone with hot irons, and studying the cracks that formed. The question asked, and the answer provided were usually then recorded on the bone, and these became the first records of a written Chinese language. These bones do not only provide historians with information on Shang superstitions, but tell us what happened during this dynasty; who was attacking who? When were crops planted? What health concerns and illnesses were around, and so much more.
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For the most part however, the Shang Dynasty was a continuation of the reforms and changes the Xia Dynasty had brought in, including the refinement of farming and irrigation, bronze work, and a more integrated feudal system. While initiatives such as a 12 month calendar and decimal counting system were important steps in China's development, it would still be hundreds of years before these were refined to a more communicable, and widely used form.
Fall of the Shang Dynasty
While not invented until after the Shang Dynasty, the Shang Dynasty was the reason for, and focus of the Mandate of Heaven which was introduced by the Zhou, and the Shang Dynasty has long been regarded throughout Chinese history as a perfect example of the dynastic cycle and the Mandate of Heaven in action. The first Shang King, Shang Tang, is recorded in history as being a good and virtuous leader who was deserving of the Mandate of Heaven, however, the final Shang King, Di Xin, was a cruel despot who mistreated his people and abused his power by:
-Strapping prisoners to a large bronze cylinder which was stuffed with hot coals
- Inventing cruel and horrific torture methods including:
-Strapping prisoners to a large bronze cylinder which was stuffed with hot coals
- Becoming uninterested in affairs of state, preferring to drink, hunt, and womanise
- Built luxurious palaces and gardens for himself and his favourite concubine: Daji
- Built a large lake filled with wine with a 'forest of meat' in the middle
- Was accused of cannibalism
- Increased taxes to support his lavish lifestyle
- Removed the noble class from power, replacing them with his close friends and confidants