1. Do Now What do you think the Chinese scholar found?
In 1899 a Chinese scholar became ill and asked his doctor for help. He was given a packet of animal bones that, when ground up would make popular medicine. When the scholar looked closely at the bones, he noticed that they were covered with mysterious ancient writing. He became determined to find out where the bones came from and what they meant. Later the scholar led archeologists to a site along the Huang River. What they found would change history books about ancient China.
What do you think the Chinese scholar found?
How would this discovery forever change history books about China?
Why is writing so important to a civilization?

2. Huang River Review Huang River North China Plain Ordos Dessert
Plateau of Tibet
Yellow Sea
Himalaya Mts.
Chang River
India

3. Shang Dynasty Rule China for 600 Years

4. Religion in the Shang Dynasty
Polytheistic
Believed gods controlled nature
Ancestors
Lived in another world
Controlled human life

5. Oracle Bones Write question on the bone.
Heat bone over fire until it cracks
Oracles read cracks to predict the future

6. A Written Record Wrote on bamboo, silk, bronze pots and stone

7. Were given new towns by Kings Oversaw construction of new towns
Shang Society
Social Pyramid
King
Nobles
Were given new towns by Kings
Oversaw construction of new towns
Craftworkers
Farmers
Prisoners of War

9. Anyang Many huts and workshops found Remains of palace at city center
Bronze cups, stone carvings, and magnificent chariots found in nearby royal tombs

10. Anyang

11. Lady Fu Hao’s Tomb

12. Lady Fu Hao’s Tomb
Hundreds of bronze containers, ivory statues and other valuable objects
Show how rich Shang rulers were
Lady Fu Hao  led troops to war and ruled her town