Shang+China---World+History

I. Government A. Dates/Facts 1. 1776 B.C. – 1122 B.C. was when Shang Dynasty existed 2. Capital- walled city of Anyang 3. Rulers resided in intricate palaces 4. 1122 B.C. conquered by Zhou- Zhou Dynasty B. Responsibilities 1. Excellent bronze industry- could not have achieved without government overseeing and direction of workers 2. Any public works needed to be overseen 3. Zhengzhou- wall of earth, 27 feet high and 4 miles long, required government to      oversee 4. Took resources from commoners to build army C. Type of Government 1. Chains of settlements (like city-states) and had no unified government 2. Kings controlled only a small area and had great power over people 3. Many princes/ nobles governed most of the land II. Religion A. Gods 1. Shang Di (Lord on High) ruled over the planet and lesser gods like sun, moon, wind, and rain a. Influenced human happenings b. Sacrificed prisoners of war and slaves to Shang Di when king died 2. Many gods (polytheism) and nature spirits 3. Worshipped spirits of ancestors as gods B. Beliefs 1. Life after death a. Stocked tombs with items so they had everything needed in the next life 2. Prayed to ancestors and offered food/ other items so bring good fortune to family a. Important for king to speak with his ancestors- believed Shang Di only speak with king’s ancestors b. Prayers of rulers to ancestors thought to help with winning war, etc. 3. Sacrifice to gods and ancestors- major part of beliefs 4. Shang Kings used oracle bones to talk with ancestors and see into future (divination) a. Ask questions whether something will happen (will it lightening?)