From around 1600-1046 BCE, the Shang Dynasty ruled the area of modern-day China around the Yellow River valley. The Shang people made advances in areas such as weaponry and astronomy.
Their language was an early form of Chinese. Two number systems were used during the time of the Shang dynasty; one based on the number 10 and the other on the number 12.
Teach your children about the Shang Dynasty using our handy topic guide!
Teaching Ideas
- Locate China on a world map or Google maps. Using this map compare modern China to the land controlled by the Shang Dynasty.
- Read this information about the Battle of Muye and write a report about it.
- Use this two-lesson plan from the Smithsonian, looking at a Shang Dynasty bronze vessel and what objects found in tombs tell us about Shang beliefs and life.
- Read this information about oracle bones, from the Mr Donn website, and generate some questions that might be asked by the Shang people.
Resources
- Explore this page of Shang Dynasty bronze vessels.
- Visit this Google Arts and Culture page to examine a Shang Dynasty elephant shaped zun (wine vessel)
- This Khan Academy lesson is useful for independent learning, and includes quizzes to test children’s knowledge.
Shang Dynasty Facts
- The Shang Dynasty is the first dynasty to rule China that has left written records.
- Cowrie shells were used as money during the Shang Dynasty.
- The people of the Shang dynasty worshipped many gods. The supreme god was Shangti, also known as the Jade Emperor, or Yellow Emperor.
- The Shang had a class system. The royal family were at the top, and slaves were at the bottom.
- When important people were buried, their servants and animals were buried with them, to serve them in the afterlife.
Videos
Introducing the Shang Dynasty
This video is a good introduction to the period.
Running time: 4:20
The Rise & Fall of the Shang
This video for older primary children, explores the history of the dynasty.
Running time: 7:25
How the Shang Invented Writing
This video tells the story of writing in the Shang Dynasty.
Running time: 4:22
Tigers, dragons, and, monsters on a Shang Dynasty Ewer
An interesting close look at a Shang ewer and its significance.
Running time: 6:53
Books
The Shang Dynasty of Ancient China
A great overview of the era.
Shang Dynasty China
This information book explores the Shang through their artefacts.
Links
- Visit the BBC Bitesize Shang Dynasty page for lots of information.
- This page from KS2 history is perfect for independent research.
Are you teaching your children about other topics? Explore our full collection of guides!
