Shang Dynasty, China

Ancient China comprised the Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties. Shang dynasty preceded the Xia dynasty and was succeeded by the Zhou dynasty. Hence, the chronology goes as Xia - Shang - Zhou. Xia dynasty was the first prehistoric dynasty in China; however, the written history of China begins from the Shang dynasty. The capital of Shang dynasty was changed several times by the rulers. Their last capital was Yin. Therefore, Shang dynasty is also known as Yin dynasty.

Shang Dynasty
Shang dynasty was founded by a rebel, Tang (TaiYi) Shang, who overthrew the last Xia ruler, Jie. The exact dates of Shang era are not available and there are various opinions by different historians. According to some historians, Shang dynasty ruled from 1766 BC to 1122 BC. Whereas, some historians opine that 1562 BC-1066 BC was the Shang era. The Shang dynasty lasted for nearly 600 years and was ruled by 31 kings, beginning with Tang (TaiYi) and ending with King Zhou. Most of north China was under Shang rule. The Shang rulers constantly fought with their neighboring rulers. The later half of the Shang dynasty era, after the dynasty shifted the capital to Yin, is considered as the golden era.

Tang was the chief of a tribe, before he became a ruler. Tang and his army, overthrew the despotic Xia ruler, Jie, and the Shang dynasty was born. As a ruler, Tang was noble and benevolent. Also, known as the Sage king, Tang ruled for nearly 30 years. Anyang was the capital of his empire. He was succeeded by his grandson, Tai Ding. King Tai Wu was the longest reigning monarch of the dynasty, having reigned for 75 years. Pan Geng was the 20th king of the Shang dynasty. He moved the capital of this empire to Yin. Thereafter, Shang dynasty came to also be known as Yin dynasty.

After the 24th Shang ruler, the dynasty began to decline gradually. There were constant internal conflicts between the royalty and noblemen. However, the kings did not undertake any measures and the conflicts continued till the last ruler of the Shang dynasty, King Zhou. He is known as one of the cruelest kings in the history of China. He was a tyrant, corrupt and autocratic ruler. He ignored the state affairs and also oppressed his subjects. People had lost faith in the Shang dynasty and wanted to overthrow it. The Zhou people occupied a province called Gansu. Their growing power led to tension among the Shang and Zhou. Finally, they revolted against the Shang dynasty. The Battle of Muye was fought between the Zhou and Shang dynasties. Shang dynasty was defeated and King Zhou of Shang committed suicide.

The Shang Civilization
The Shang civilization was based on agriculture, hunting and raising animals. Bronze was used extensively. In fact, bronze-making was a symbolic feature of the Shang dynasty. It represented power and class. It was used only by the higher classes and mostly, for religious practices. Therefore, Shang dynasty is also known as the Bronze dynasty. Bronze was used to make vessels, wares as well as weapons. People also used jade and porcelain objects.

Religion, religious practices and rituals held a very prominent place in the Shang civilization. Ancestors and weather gods were worshiped. The king himself was the high priest and was considered divine. Various religious practices were followed. The Oracle bones, having inscription on them, were used to predict the future. People had a belief in life after death. Therefore, the kings and other royalty were buried along with all articles of daily use. Slaves were also buried alive with these royal corpses.

Writing system, calendar as well as astronomy was highly developed during the Shang dynasty. Numerous bronze vessels, tortoise shells and oracle bones with inscriptions belonging to the Shang civilization have been found by archaeologists.

The kingdom was divided into provinces and was ruled by nobles, who were the king's relatives. Only the nobles could take part in military services; while, the commoners worked as laborers. Spoked wheels are believed to have been invented in the Shang era. The people prominently made use of chariots. It is believed that 1,000 chariots were used, when Tang Shang fought with the last Xia ruler. Bronze weapons like spears, bows and dagger axes were also used. Many evidences give an account of the modernized Shang civilization.

Shang dynasty was one of the greatest dynasties of ancient China. Sometimes, it is also said that the history of China begins with Shang dynasty.