Excavating a Shang Tomb Assignment

Excavating a Shang Tomb

Assignments to hand in: Chart - Notes on Shang Tomb Artifacts & Critical-Thinking Questions

Step 1: Introduction - Look at the picture below and read the text that follows:

Excavation of Shang Tomb

The Shang (pronounced SHAHNG) dynasty ruled most of the North China Plain, located on the Huang He, or Yellow River, from approximately 1576 to 1054 B.C.E. The Shang dynasty, as well as the Xia (pronounced SHEE-AH) dynasty that preceded it, are referred to in legends of ancient China. Until the early 1900's, however, scholars questioned the existence ob both dynasties because no archeological evidence had been found to document them. Then, in 1928 archeologists uncovered the ruins of the Shang royal capital, Yin. From this and other Shang sites, they found evidence of the formation of cities, the use of writing, and increasing occupational specialization. Xia still remains undiscovered. As a result, the Shang is now considered to be China's first historic dynasty.

Much of what is known about the Shang comes from artifacts found in the royal tombs located at the capital. In 1934, during the tenth excavation of Yin, archeologists discovered the royal cemetery, which included 10 royal tombs. The tomb of an eleventh emperor was found in 1950. Although the royal tombs differed slightly in design, they followed the same general plan. They were rectangle, measuring 45 feet long and 39 feet wide, and were buried 30 feet below the ground. Their walls were lined with wood, and two to four 100 foot-long ramps led to the bottom of the wooden burial chamber. Objects that would be needed in the next life, and human sacrifices, surrounded the coffin, and a roof covered the burial chamber. In 1976, scientists unearthed the best preserved of all the tombs, the one belonging to Fuo Hao (pronounced FUOH-HOW). Fuo Hao, who was the wife of a Shang emperor, was a powerful military and political leader. During the thirteenth century B.C.E. she led more than 13,000 warriors in battle against a tribe in the west. The emperor even permitted her to make religious sacrifices to his ancestors, a duty only he performed. Fuo Hao died before her husband, and records indicate he made sacrifices to her and frequently dreamed about her.

Step 2: Download and print the student handouts:

Chart - Notes on Shang Tomb Artifacts & Information About Shang Tomb Artifacts

Step 3: Complete the chart "Notes on Shang Tomb Artifacts by reading each PLACARD (below) and then reading the corresponding text on the "Information About Shang Tomb Artifacts." (Some of the questions will be very obvious due to changes made for online use.)

Bronze Vessel Ceremonial Axe Chariot