Shang Dynasty China

c. 1600–1046 BCE

Ancient Chinese bronze ritual vessel with intricate carvings, displayed on a pedestal in a museum setting.

Shang Dynasty China is characterized by the development of a writing system, bronze metallurgy, ancestor worship and divination, and more!

Oracle bones

Writing

Important terms and concepts

Shang dynasty

Anyang

Ancestor worship

Oracle bone

Plastron

Divination

Important Names

King Wu Ding

Queen Fu Hao

Technology: Bronze Metallurgy

Bronze casting and piece-mold process

A Shang dynasty bronze vessel decorated with a taotie

The taotie motif on bronze vessels

Close-up of an ancient Chinese bronze bell with intricate designs, featuring protruding knobs used for striking, displayed in a museum setting.

What is bronze?

Important terms and concepts

Bronze

Bronze casting

Metallurgy

Taotie

Section-Mold Technique / Piece-Mold Technique

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Introduction to Shang Dynasty China | Reading, Quiz, Discussion Questions

$6.99

The Shang Dynasty

Bring ancient China to life!

This article covers the history of the Shang, ancestor worship, early Chinese writing, oracle bones, bronze metallurgy, jade, and more. It is a beautifully illustrated, full-color PDF—similar to a glossary magazine and textbook chapter.

Includes: a bibliography, links to free short videos, discussion questions, short answer questions, and a multiple-choice and true-false quiz. Answer keys included.

Check it out!

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