Shang Dynasty

HouMu Rectangular Cauldron

Originally a tribe living in the lower regions of the Yellow River during the Xia Dynasty (21st - 17th century BC), the Shang Dynasty was established by King Tang in 1675 BC after overthrowing the tyrannical rule of Jie, (the last emperor of the Xia Dynasty). The Shang Dynasty lasted over 600 years and was led by 30 different emperors. As the capital of the Shang was always based in Yin (the now Xiaotun Village, in Anyang City of Henan Province), the dynasty is also known as 'Yin Shang'.

Political History
Drawing from the 'lessons' of Jie, Tang implemented a series of innovative measures with the help of his two ministers. He is best known for abolishing the persecution and oppression of the people carried out by Jie, and for governing his people with benevolence and compassion. During his reign, conflicts eased, people lived happy lives, and the country prospered. In all areas, from economy to culture, there were great achievements.

The dynasty flourished through the reign of the ninth emperor. During the rule of the tenth emperor however, conditions began to deteriorate and there were multiple attempts by the emperor's own family to overthrow him and take command of the kingdom. Social problems began to emerge and the emperor's power gradually declined.

Musical Bell in Shang Dynasty

During the final period of the dynasty, the country was in turmoil and vassals from other countries began to rebel. Despite the turmoil and the impending uprising, Emperor Zhou (the last emperor of Shang Dynasty) led a luxurious life and tortured both his ministers and his people. This intensified conflicts across the kingdom and the Shang Dynasty was finally overthrown by Wu (chief of Zhou tribe), ending the long reign of the Shang Dynasty in Chinese history.

Economy
The rulers of Shang Dynasty attached great importance to agriculture. Fishing began to grow as an industry as the people fished in the fresh waters.

In the handicraft industry, the work was subtly allotted to many different workers and crafts were made in large quantities and varieties, showcasing the different techniques used during this time. The bronze wares in particular reached a high level of artistry that signified the advanced civilization of Shang Dynasty. The most famous bronze work from this time is the Simuwu Quadripod, weighing 832.84 kg (about 1836 pounds) it is the largest and heaviest Chinese bronze vessel. Porcelain wares were also invented during this time, the jade carving techniques were of the highest quality and the woven silk fabrics displayed the great skill and capabilities of the artisans.

With the grown of the agriculture and handicraft industries, the commodity exchange was promoted and the role of the commodity exchange dealer began to appear in the late Shang Dynasty.

Culture and Arts

In the field of music, there was also great progress. The improvements in the bronze casting techniques allowed for delicate musical instruments to be made. In Yin Xu (Yin Yuins) in Xiao Tun Village of Anyang City, archeologists discovered musical instruments of the Shang Dynasty including: Xun (Ocarina made of baked clay), drums, and copper cymbals.
Great advancements can also be seen in the written characters of Shang Dynasty which are considered the oldest Chinese written form for communication. The characters were usually carved on tortoise shells, animal bones, bronze wares or some other utensils. Many Oracle Script pieces that have been found in the Yin Ruins offer us many important events happened during that period.

Jade Eagle Scultures

Jade Cong An instrument in cult

The sculpture produced during this time was also superb. Various kinds of patterns were carved on bronze, jade, and pottery wares. On other goods, like stones, animal bones, and horns, fine pictures can also be seen.

In terms of beliefs, the people of the Shang Dynasty believed that God dominates the world. They also worshipped their ancestors, the sun, the moon, the river, and the earth and sacrifice ceremonies were typically grand events. In addition, the art of fortune telling was popular during this time. There is also a culture called SanXin Pile very different from the central region in shang dynasty.

Science
The Oracle Scripts contain records about solar and lunar eclipses, stars and other celestial happenings. The records clearly demonstrate great advancements in astronomy. During this time, the calendar system continued to advance and in the area of math, people performed elementary accounting distinctions between odd and even numbers appeared.

Emperors of the Shang Dynasty

Order	Name	Notes	Reign Time (years)
1	Tang	Family name: Zi; Given name: Tang; He overthrew the tyrannical rule of Jie of the Xia Dynasty. The society was stable and the people lived happy lives during his reign.	30
2	Wai Bing	Son of Tang	3
3	Zhong Ren	Son of Tang and younger brother of Wai Bing	4
4	Tai Jia	grandson of Tang	33
5	Wo Ding	Son of Tai Jia	29
6	Tai Geng	Son of Tai Jia and the younger brother of Wo Ding	25
7	Xiao Jia	Son of Tai Geng	36
8	Yong Ji	Brother of Xiao Jia; The dynasty began to decline under his rule.	12
9	Tai Wu	Younger brother of Yong Ji	75
10	Zhong Ding	Son of Tai Wu	11
11	Wai Ren	Son of Tai Wu and younger brother of Zhong Ding	15
12	He Dan Jia	Son of Tai Wu and younger brother of Wai Ren	9
13	Zu Yi	Son of He Dan Jia; the Shang Dynasty came into prosperity again.	19
14	Zu Xin	Son of Zu Yi	16
15	Wo Jia	Son of Zu Yi and the younger brother of Zu Xin	20
16	Zu Ding	Son of zu Xin	32
17	Nan Geng	Son of Wo Jia	29
18	Yang Jia	Son of Zu Ding; the country was in decline during his reign.	7
19	Pan Geng	Son of Zu Ding and the younger brother of Yang Jia; He moved the capital to Yin, thus the dynasty is also called Yin Shang. The country was prosperous during his reign.	28
20	Xiao Xin	Son of Zu Ding and the younger brother of Pan Geng. The country declined again in his reign.	21
21	Xiao Yi	Son of Zu Ding and the younger brother of Xiao Xin	21
22	Wu Ding	The best emperor after Pan Geng. He enlarged the domain of the country through a war. Social productivity developed to a high level, including aspects of textile, medicine, and astronomy. There were great achievements during his reign.	59
23	Zu Geng	Son of Wu Ding	7
24	Zu Jia	Son of Wu Ding and younger brother of Zu Geng	33
25	Lin Xin	Son of Zu Jia	6
26	Geng Ding	Son of Zu Jia and younger brother of Lin Xin	6
27	Wu Yi	Son of Geng Ding	4
28	Tai Ding	Son of Wu Yi	3
29	Di Yi	Son of Tai Ding; the country was declined even worse.	37
30	Zhou	Family name: Zi; Given name: Xin; He acted atrociously toward his people and doted on his imperial concubine, Daji. He was finally defeated by the tribe of Zhou.	33

Useful links:

SanXin Pile Museum An ancient culture in southeast china , the cultrual relics are astounding