• Shang Dynasty 1500 BC

The Yellow river region of ancient China is now ruled by the Shang dynasty (1766-1122 BC), and is home to a flourishing Bronze Age civilization.

The Shang kings probably exercise real authority over only a part of the region, with subordinate lords ruling virtually independently in their own areas. Further away from the centre, tribal chiefs rule their own peoples, but owe the Shang king some sort of loose allegiance. Their authority is confirmed by grants of titles and badges of rank from the Shang king. A system of writing, which in all essentials is the modern Chinese script, is in use and bronze technology is well developed. Indeed, the Chinese are already making remarkably sophisticated bronze ceremonial vessels, both in terms of the techniques used in making them and the artistic skill they reveal. These are some of the finest bronzes ever produced in world history.

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