Shang+Dynasty

=The Shang Dynasty=
 * Shang Dynasty was founded by King Tang in 1675 BC and it lasted until 1100 BC
 * The last Shang capital was found and excavated in Anyang

Highlights:

 * Most famous for being the first dynasty to use a written language


 * Created the Simuwu Quadripod, (largest and heaviest Chinese bronze vessel) weighing 832.84 kg (about 1836 pounds)
 * The Shang were agriculturalists


 * Throne was passed from older brother to younger brother rather than father to son


 * 30 different emperors in total

Science and Math:

 * Records show that they had knowledge of lunar eclipses and stars


 * Great advancements in astronomy


 * Were able to performs simple mathematics, and accounting


 * Distinguished between odd and even numbers


 * Made improvements to the calendar system

Art and Culture:

 * · Furthered bronze casting methods in order to make bronze instruments


 * · Discovered porcelain
 * · Jade carving techniques improved
 * · Jade carving techniques improved


 * · First recorded history of a Chinese dynasty on turtle bones and silk


 * · Believed god dominates all


 * · Also worshiped ancestors


 * · Worshiped gods of nature such as the sun and moon


 * · Sacrificial ceremonies were common during this dynasty

Key figures:

 * · Tang: first emperor of Shang


 * · Pan Geng: brought prosperity to Shang


 * · Wu Ding: great period of intellectual progress and expansion of the empire


 * · Zhou: last emperor of the Shang dynasty treated the people terribly


 * · Shang Ti: supreme god that rued over all other gods

Works Cited:
"Shang Dynasty (16th -11th century BC), China History." China Travel Agency,China Tour,China Travel Tours,24/7 Trip Service. http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/history/shang/ (accessed February 23, 2010).

"Shang." Minnesota State University, Mankato. http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/china/ancient_china/shang.html (accessed February 23, 2010).