Shang dynasty

Shang dynasty was a state in North China (East Asia) that lasted from c. 1600 to 1046 BCE, about 554 years. Its people spoke Chinese languages (Sinitic languages).

The first Chinese dynasty confirmed by its own writing, on oracle bones used to ask the ancestors questions. Its kings cast great bronze vessels, made human sacrifices and fought with chariots, until the Zhou overthrew them.

See Shang dynasty on the interactive timeline

Facts

Dates: c. 1600 to 1046 BCE
Duration: 554 years
Type: State
Region: North China, East Asia
Language family: Chinese
Capital: Zhengzhou, later Yin (Anyang)

Came from

Xia dynasty (traditional) c. 2070 to 1600 BCE
Erlitou culture c. 1900 to 1500 BCE

Became

Western Zhou 1046 to 771 BCE

Events in East Asia during its time

1250 BCE Oracle bone writing at Anyang
1046 BCE Battle of Muye

Neighbours in East Asia

Western Zhou 1046 to 771 BCE
Shu kingdom (Jinsha) c. 1150 to 316 BCE
Qi c. 1046 to 221 BCE
Yan c. 1046 to 222 BCE

Elsewhere in the world at the same time

Minoan civilization c. 3100 to 1450 BCE, Europe
New Kingdom of Egypt c. 1550 to 1069 BCE, North and West Africa
Old Babylonian Empire 1894 to 1595 BCE, Middle East
Hittite Empire (New Kingdom) c. 1400 to 1180 BCE, Middle East

Questions

When did Shang dynasty exist?

c. 1600 to 1046 BCE, about 554 years. These dates are approximate, because the evidence for its beginning or end is uncertain.

Where was Shang dynasty?

North China, in East Asia. Its capital was Zhengzhou, later Yin (Anyang).

What language did Shang dynasty speak?

Chinese. This family includes Sinitic languages.

What came before Shang dynasty?

Xia dynasty (traditional) and Erlitou culture.

What came after Shang dynasty?

Western Zhou.