Anyang, the last capital of the Shang Dynasty and its archaeological significance
Anyang is a city in modern-day Henan Province, China. Here in 1900, a scholar in Beijing, seeking traditional medicine, found that one of its components was an old bone with strange marks. These "dragon bones," as the apothecary called them, were traced back to Anyang, where local farmers had uncovered them. Scholars began collecting these bones, revealing them to be the earliest examples of Chinese writing, indicating a sophisticated script that had developed over a long period.
The cradle of Chinese Writing
Scientific excavations starting in 1928 ended the debate about the existence of the Shang dynasty, confirming its place in history: Anyang was the site of the last capital of the Shang dynasty (c. 1766–1122 BCE), known as Yin.
The capital was established at Yin in 1395 BCE, where it remained until the dynasty's fall in 1122 BCE. The final phase of the dynasty is also referred to as the Yin dynasty.
Following the Shang dynasty's overthrow by the Zhou dynasty (c. 1122–256 BCE), the ruins became known as Yinshu, meaning "the ruins of Yin."
Reconstruction of Yinxu's Historic Site
The discovery of the Shang-era ruins at Anyang was somewhat accidental and this location gained historical significance.
Archaeological digs at Anyang uncovered the foundations of palace-like structures but no evidence of city walls.
Over 20,000 oracle bones have been recovered, bearing inscriptions that shed light on Shang society. These inscriptions reveal that Shang kings regularly consulted the deity Shangdi on various matters, such as warfare, weather, agriculture, and royal births. The detailed records include dates, names of rulers, and their familial connections, helping historians piece together the Shang dynasty's history.
The Shang capital at Anyang, also referred to as Zi Yi in some oracle inscriptions, was a sprawling network of settlements covering about 24 square kilometers, spread across both sides of the Huan River, with buildings raised on platforms of compacted earth.
Of the 53 such platforms discovered, 15 were part of the palace district, which likely served as the residence of King Wu Ding and his clan. A nearby royal cemetery with 11 large tombs was also found, thought to be the burial sites of Shang kings, although these had been looted in antiquity. This discovery aligns with ancient records identifying 12 kings who ruled from Yin, except for the last king, who perished in his burning palace.
In 1976, the intact tomb of Fu Hao, the wife of King Wuding, was unearthed, revealing over 1,600 artifacts, including elaborate bronze vessels inscribed with her name. These findings demonstrate the advanced culture and material achievements of the late Shang era.
Additionally, an extensive temple complex was uncovered, indicating areas dedicated to royal ancestral worship and ritual sacrifices.
Significant areas within this network include Xiaotun to the south and Xibeigang to the north.
- Xiaotun revealed layers of occupation from the Neolithic period, through the Shang dynasty, and into the Zhou and later Tang dynasty (618-907 CE).
- Xibeigang is home to the royal necropolis, where archaeologists found valuable items like bronze chariot fittings, leather armor, and ritual weapons.
Burial of wagons with horses and soldiers
Last update: October 10, 2024
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