The+Shang+Dynasty+-+1523+BCE+-+1027+BCE

The Shang (or Yin) Dynasty was the second dynasty of China. Information on the Shang Dynasty would nor have been recorded if it was not for Oracle Bones, which are bones with Ancient Chinese inscription on them. What we do know of the Shang Dynasty is as follows:

__**The Economy of the Shang**__ Although the Shang dynasty held a steady economy, hard work was involved for their citizens. A major production during this dynasty was of bronze pots. Workers mined the bronze, melted it down and created the pots. These pots were used for Chinese ceremonies, and as an indicator of how important you were (e.g. the fancier the pot, the higher you were on the social scale).

//A bronze pot from Ancient China//

__**Shang History**__ The Shang Dynasty began when a rebel leader overthrew the final Xia ruler. Once the Xia Dynasty had ended, the Shang began. The Shang mostly ruled the northern China. This caused many problems over the ownership of land, and the king would send out Shang troops to fight for their land. Soon, the Shang became an organised period of time; they provided efficient money systems, education for Chinese children and protection to their citizens. For many years, the peace continued in China, with 31 king of the dynasty. Unfortunately, the Zhou army went to war with the Shang army, and the Zhou had won. This became a worry for the final Shang king, and he later committed suicide. Legend tells that part of the reason for the death of the final king was because his army betrayed him and joined the Zhou army. Afters this event, the Shang was overthrown by the Zhou army, and so began the The Zhou Dynasty - 1123 BCE - 256 BCE.


 * Extra Information:**

__**Magic Squares**__ Magic Squares were used in the Shang Dynasty to control the flooding river, and as a form of a calendar.

//An Ancient Chinese Magic Square//
 * 4 || 9 || 2 ||
 * 3 || 5 || 7 ||
 * 8 || 1 || 6 ||


 * __Links:__**

[|Shang Dynasty - Wikipedia] [|Shang Dynasty - Travel Guide] [|Shang Dynasty - History for Kids!]