Fun Facts on the Shang Dynasty
- The Shang Dynasty may outdate the use of a true alphabet, but the era is not beyond the realm of written observations. Although Chinese characters are not believed to be older than Egytptian hieroglyphics, they were used during the Shang Dynasty, consequently providing modern-day historians valuable information about this era. Much of the writing done during the Shang Dynasty comes in the form of inscriptions carved into animal bones, turtle shells and bronze vessels. Much of what was written reveals information about astronomical events and the Chinese calendar used during that era.
- The Shang Dynasty was located in a part of China that today is the northeastern section of the country and present-day capitol at Beijing. Much of the old Shang Dynasty was situated around the Yellow River. It is believed that a reign of 30 kings ruled the Dynasty, but the last king was very corrupt, so he lost support of his people and the kingdom was overthrown by a neighboring king.
- The oldest musical instruments of the Shang Dynasty included the clay ocarina, stone chimes, as well as bronze bells and drums. Many such instruments have been unearthed during modern times, with present dating techniques suggesting a Shang origin. However, oral tradition indicates these evolutionary instruments may be much older. Other Shang relics include numerous jade carvings, many cooking utensils and dishes used in food preparation, as well as serving bowls and pouring vessels. Many objects of interest have been found in Chinese tombs that date back to that era.
- The Yin Dynasty closely followed the Shang Dynasty. So close were the two eras that sometimes the Yin Dynasty is seen as a subset of its older brother, the Shang Dynasty. During the Shang Dynasty, the capitol of the kingdoms moved many times. The last capitol was located in a place called Yin, thus marking the beginning of the next king and, in this case, the next dynasty.