The Huang Ho Valley Main Idea- The Shang Civilization developed as a civilization along the Yellow River.

Civilization Develops 2000 B.C. civilization developed in the Indus River Valley, in the Huang Ho valley of Northern China. No records of its beginning and no remains found- what we know comes from various LEGENDS. The valley was cut off from other civilizations, the people developed their culture with out borrowing from others.

Dynasty First written records come from a dynasty- ruling family. The Shang Dynasty came to power a bulit the first Chinese cities. Cities created with a palace and a temple as the center. Farmers raised silk worms, and produced silk cloth, as well as farming millet, wheat, and rice.

Spirits and Ancestors Worshipped spirits- supernatural beings. If the spirits were angered they believed there would be a poor harvest or they would lose in battle. Also believed that ancestors- those they descended from, influenced peoples fortunes.

Kings Kings received power and wisdom from the spirits and ancestors. Government and religion closely tied. Oracle Bones- Flat pieces of bone, kings would scratch their questions into them, hot wax would be poured and reveal the ancestors advice to the king. First form of Chinese writing.

Nobles Nobles - People of high rank in the kingdom. Hunted for fun and prepared for war. Fought amongst each other for land, and united only when Shang rule was threatened. Used bronze helmets, chariots, arrows and armor.

Decline Great gap between rich and poor. Rich- wooden homes in the cities, use of bronze, linen, fur, and silk. Poor- Lived along the countryside, used wood/stone tools, lived in thatched/mud huts. Experts believe the gap weakened the Shang, and in 1122 B.C. the Zhou invaded. The Shang Dynasty is known for its bronze work.