Lecture on Anyang, China and Shang Dynasty Archaeology

Introduction to Anyang

• Located over 450 kilometers south of Beijing.
• Known as the birthplace of Chinese archaeology since 1928.
• Longest running excavation site in China.

The Significance of 2009 Excavations

• International archaeologists gathered to study the Shang Dynasty.
• Aim: Distinguish between legend and fact in Shang history.

Discovery of Fu Hao’s Tomb

• Discovered in a farmer’s field in 1976.
• Only unlooted royal tomb from Shang era, dating 75 years after Tutankhamun's burial.
• Contains treasures like jade artifacts, cowrie shells, weapons, and bronze vessels.

Fu Hao: The Warrior Queen

• Identified as the tomb's occupant; a prominent wife of King Wu Ding.
• Known for military prowess; tomb contains over 100 weapons.
• Oracle bones document her military campaigns, health, and life events.

Shang Dynasty's Warlike Nature

• Fu Hao’s tomb features human sacrifices supporting Shang’s warlike reputation.
• Oracle bones chronicle frequent wars and divinations.

Bronze Age Innovations

• Fu Hao’s tomb reveals Shang’s advanced bronze craftsmanship.
• Preference for bronze over gold due to cultural and technological reasons.
• Intricate bronze vessels used for rituals and ceremonies.

Impact of Lead Poisoning

• Rice wine stored in bronze vessels led to high lead content.
• Possible health impacts: shorter lifespan, behavioral changes.

Trade and Empire

• Fu Hao’s tomb shows extensive trade with regions far and wide.
• Items found suggest trade with Mongolia, Siberia, Central Asia, and beyond.

Shang Military and Technological Advances

• Chariots discovered, likely brought from Eurasia to enhance military capability.
• Significance of chariots in warfare and status.

Ya Chang’s Tomb Discovery

• Evidence of a complex and connected society.
• Analysis shows a mix of local and non-local individuals in the community.

Conclusion: Rise and Fall of the Shang Dynasty

• Wu Ding’s vision led to a cosmopolitan, advanced Anyang.
• Post Wu Ding, Anyang lost its cultural diversity, leading to downfall by Zhou.
• Shang contributions: writing, bronze making, and military strategies.
• Fu Hao remembered as a significant figure in Shang history.