Shang Dynasty by Linda Hill

Shang Dynasty explores the origins of Chinese civilization by examining the Shang Dynasty, a pivotal era that shaped East Asian history. Emerging around 1600 BCE in the Yellow River Valley, the Shang Dynasty laid the groundwork for China's enduring cultural and political identity. The book highlights how innovations in bronze technology, the development of a writing system evident in oracle bones, and intricate religious rituals like ancestor worship, were used to solidify power and create a cohesive social order.

The book delves into these three pillars of Shang civilization to reveal how they interconnected to establish a hierarchical society. It examines how the Shang Dynasty's innovations were strategic tools for maintaining control and legitimizing rule. The book progresses through an exploration of the Shang Dynasty's origins and social structure, before focusing on bronze technology, the writing system, and religious practices.

By analyzing archaeological evidence and primary sources, Shang Dynasty provides a nuanced understanding of this formative period. Its approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of Shang achievements, offering readers valuable insights into the long-term development of Chinese political and social thought.