The History of the Shang Dynasty

The Shang Dynasty, the earliest ruling dynasty of China to be established and recorded in history. Was the Shang Dynasty the most important moment in ancient Chinese history? This video is sponsored by weiweis.com, the vase of ancient Chinese symbolism. Each vase with its own story and representation. Keep a piece of history in your home. Head over to weiweis.com today and get yours. The Shang Dynasty ruled from 1600 BC to 1046 BC. Many historians believe it to be the first Chinese dynasty, as it is the first dynasty with written records, as opposed to the Xia Dynasty, which has no true records. The Shang Dynasty can be attributed to one man, Cheng Tang, the catalyst that sparked the revolution of the Shang Dynasty. Tang ruled the Kingdom of Shang, one of many kingdoms present in the latter years of the Xia Dynasty, during the reign of the principal Chinese leader, King Ji. Throughout Tang's 17 years as commander of the Shang Kingdom, he grew in popularity and power, winning supporters from 40 smaller kingdoms of the time. Tang was not best pleased with the way King Ji was treating his people, often with extreme cruelty. Tang used this in his favor to help grow his following and convince others of the terrible wrongdoings of King Ji. Because of Ji's severe cruelty, many of his own military generals would no longer obey his orders. Tang saw this as the perfect opportunity to overthrow the Xia and King Ji, beginning his assault by conquering the Wen area. Over the next few years, Tang and the Shang would conquer various lands, gathering more troops as they prepared their attack on King Ji and the Xia. The Shang army fought Ji's forces at Mingteo. Legend has it that the Shang defeated the Xia in a god-like thunderstorm. King Ji escaped, but later died of his illness, leaving Tang as the new King of China and the beginning to the Shang Dynasty. Tang would reign for 29 years. Many viewing him as a great leader, lowering tax and helping poor families during terrible droughts. In 1646 BC, Tang of Shang died. He would be succeeded by his eldest son, Da Ding. There would go on to be 30 emperors throughout the Shang Dynasty, two of the most notable emperors being Wu Ding, who ruled for 58 years, and Tai Wu, the 9th emperor, who ruled for 75 years. FACTS OF THE SHANG DYNASTY Much of what we know today about the Shang Dynasty comes from the oracle bones. These were the bones that the Shang used to predict the future. Religious men of the Shang would write questions on these bones, burn them until they cracked, then interpret the cracks for answers. Archaeologists have discovered thousands of these bones. Most of the oracle bones derive from oxen and turtle shells, and questions such as will we win the war and will the baby be a son have been translated from these bones. The Shang were the first Chinese dynasty to invent writing and record history. Their writing was fairly similar to modern Chinese script, allowing it to be interpreted in the modern age. The Shang had a well-organized, advanced government, with many class levels throughout society, stemming from a priest and a warrior to farmers and slaves. Many of the Shang society were of farmer-level class. The Shang would use bronze to create weapons such as spears, as well as using horse-drawn chariots, giving them a superior advantage over their enemies. The Shang Dynasty was toppled in 1050 BC, when the state of Zhu invaded the capital and successfully overthrew the final Shang Emperor, King Dijin. The Zhu decided to end Dijin's rule, as he was considered a cruel leader, who enjoyed torturing his people and was only concerned by alcohol, sex and immoral behavior. Dijin surrounded himself by his treasures and set his palace alight, successfully committing suicide, burning to death as the Zhu closed in. Being toppled in the same manner that his Xia predecessor, King Ji was, Dijin didn't learn that cruelty doesn't pay. If you've enjoyed learning about the Shang Dynasty, then check out our latest video outlining the history of the Zhu Dynasty. And don't forget to get your vase of ancient Chinese symbolism. Keep a piece of history in your home. Head over to weiwes.com today and get yours.