China

Shang dynasty

Objects from the Shang dynasty give us clues to the concerns of people more than 3,000 years ago.

c. 1600–1046 B.C.E.

Beginner's Guide

What is the Shang dynasty?

• Shang dynasty (c. 1600–1050 B.C.E.), an introduction

videos + essays

We're adding new content all the time!

War and Sacrifice: The Tomb of Fu Hao

This tomb confirmed Fu Hao’s role as one of the most important female military commanders of ancient China.

Tigers, dragons, and, monsters on a Shang Dynasty Ewer

Tigers, dragons, and, monsters on a Shang Dynasty Ewer

Shang dynasty (c. 1600–1050 B.C.E.), an introduction

Learn about how the Shang people left many legacies for later generations in China

Oracle Bone, Shang Dynasty

The writing on these bones is 3000 years old, but scholars can decipher an incredible 40 percent of the characters.

Selected Contributors

Dr. Kristen Loring Brennan

Dr. Beth Harris

Keith Wilson, Curator of Ancient Chinese art, National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian

Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art