Shang Dynasty and Mandate of Heaven

Question 1

dynasty

Answer 1

• it is a ruling family

Question 2

established local rule

Answer 2

• c. 1500 BC - 1050 BC
• Shang family made up of kings
• along the Yellow river
• 1st dynasty with written evidence

Question 3

oracle bones

Answer 3

• used to communicate with ancestors
• carve questions onto bone
• holes bored into bone
• cracked with heat
• cracks good or bad omen

Question 4

character

Answer 4

• it is a printed or written letter, symbol or mark

Question 5

diviner

Answer 5

• a person who predicts or discovers the future
• positive or negative statement
• read the cracks in oracle bone

Question 6

Mandate of Heaven

Answer 6

• command from heaven to rule
• good: many births, stability
• bad: earthquakes, famine, floods
• rationale to overthrow a ruler
• Zhou used the Mandate of Heaven to take over Shang

Question 7

Shang importance

Answer 7

• written records on bones, turtle shells, and bronzes