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The Huang Ho Valley. Main Idea- The Shang Civilization developed as a civilization along the Yellow River. Civilization Develops. 2000 B.C. civilization developed in the Indus River Valley, in the Huang Ho valley of Northern China.
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The Huang Ho Valley Main Idea- The Shang Civilization developed as a civilization along the Yellow River.
Civilization Develops • 2000 B.C. civilization developed in the Indus River Valley, in the Huang Ho valley of Northern China. • No records of its beginning and no remains found- what we know comes from various LEGENDS. • The valley was cut off from other civilizations, the people developed their culture with out borrowing from others.
Dynasty • First written records come from a dynasty- ruling family. • The Shang Dynasty came to power a bulit the first Chinese cities. • Cities created with a palace and a temple as the center. • Farmers raised silk worms, and produced silk cloth, as well as farming millet, wheat, and rice.
Spirits and Ancestors • Worshipped spirits- supernatural beings. • If the spirits were angered they believed there would be a poor harvest or they would lose in battle. • Also believed that ancestors-those they descended from, influenced peoples fortunes.
Kings • Kings received power and wisdom from the spirits and ancestors. • Government and religion closely tied. • Oracle Bones- Flat pieces of bone, kings would scratch their questions into them, hot wax would be poured and reveal the ancestors advice to the king. • First form of Chinese writing.
Nobles • Nobles- People of high rank in the kingdom. • Hunted for fun and prepared for war. • Fought amongst each other for land, and united only when Shang rule was threatened. • Used bronze helmets, chariots, arrows and armor.
Decline • Great gap between rich and poor. • Rich- wooden homes in the cities, use of bronze, linen, fur, and silk. • Poor- Lived along the countryside, used wood/stone tools, lived in thatched/mud huts. • Experts believe the gap weakened the Shang, and in 1122 B.C. the Zhou invaded. • The Shang Dynasty is known for its bronze work.