Significant Differences Between The Shang And Zhou Dynasties In Ancient China

ASSIGNMENT: HIGHLIGHT AND DISCUSS THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE SHANG AND ZHOU SOCIETY AND CULTURES.
Truly, the Shang and Zhou dynasties both developed powerful civilizations in ancient China that had lasting impacts on the development of Chinese culture. During this time, the Chinese culture underwent dramatic changes and advances, with each dynasty contributing its unique characteristics to the overall culture. However, there are some significant differences between the two societies and cultures as well. These differences can be seen in their respective cultures, languages, religious practices, and systems of government. This write-up will highlight and discuss the major differences between the Shang and Zhou dynasties and the cultures that

Without a doubt, the Shang Dynasty contributed immensely to the advancement of the ancient Chinese kingdom. One of the most impressive achievements of the Shang Dynasty was their development of a writing system. The first characters were created as early as 1500 BC and evolved into the written language we know today. The writing system was used for administration, record-keeping, and religious ceremonies. The Shang Dynasty also developed the use of bronze and created many tools, weapons, and artifacts, which have been discussed above. Secondly, the Shang Dynasty was also known for its political and economic strength. The Shang rulers organized a highly centralized government and imposed taxes and laws to keep the population in line. This allowed them to build a large economy and military. They also created a large trading network that stretched across Asia, allowing them to acquire many luxury items. In addition to their advances in writing and metalworking, the Shang Dynasty also made significant contributions to other areas of Chinese culture. For example, they created an early system of government that was based on a hereditary monarchy. This system was further refined by the Zhou Dynasty, which succeeded the

However, the Zhou Dynasty was a powerful state even before the fall of the Shang Dynasty. The Zhou had emerged as a powerful state west of the area under Shang rule. In the valley of the Wei River, a tributary of the Yellow River lived the Zhou people. They were less civilized and more warlike than the Shang, being culturally closer to the Neolithic black-pottery people. The Shang had relations with the Zhou, as evidenced by references to them in the Shang oracle bones, which were sometimes friendly and sometimes hostile. According to Shujing, the Book of Documents, one of the earliest surviving historical sources, the Shang fell due to the failure of the last Shang ruler. By around 1047 B.C.E., the Shang dynasty had been weakened by campaigns against nomads in the north and rebellious tribes in the east. Taking advantage of this opportunity, the Zhou formed alliances with disgruntled city-states and swept in, conquering the Shang. In most ways, the Zhou followed the Shang pattern of life and rule. The agrarian-based city-state remained the basic unit of society, and it is estimated that there were about 200 of them in the eighth