Study Guide
Chapter 20:
The Shang Dynasty
Content Standards:
7.1.3 Trace steps in the
development of written
language, including the
evolution of Sumerian
cuneiform, Egyptian
hieroglyphics and Chinese
calligraphy. (Individuals,
Society and Culture)
7.1.10
Describe the development of
political institutions,
agriculture and
environment, technology,
the arts, and commerce of
various dynasties in China.
(Individuals, Society and
Culture)
Terms: Locate the following terms in your reading or activity notes or
textbooks. For each term, define and explain its significance on a
separate sheet of paper.
Shang dynasty (p. 195)
Anyang (p. 196)
human sacrifice (p. 196)
clan (p. 197)
ancestor worship (p. 200)
logograph (p. 201)
economy (p. 202)
shang ren (p. 198)
Essential Questions: Use your History Alive textbook and
or interactive notebook to respond to the following:
1. How did the Shang find out what their ansestor's
advice was?
2. What benefit did bronze weapons give to the Shang?
3. How did a common written language contribute to the
Shang's power?
4. Like other ancient civilizations, the Shang had a
Learning Goals:
Students will
• analyze artifacts to understand
key characteristics of a
civilization.
• locate the origins of Chinese
civilization in the Huang He
valley during the Shang dynasty.
• describe the government, social
structure, religion, writing, art,
and
technology of the Shang dynasty.
social class structure. What was the largest group in
that structure?
5. Which metal formed the framework of Shang
technology?
6. Which material was used most in Shang art?
7. Was the true Shang meaning of this material?
8. What were the benefits of having the same type of
writing all over ancient China?
9. Why do you think Chinese logographs would be hard
to learn?
10. What did archeologists discover at Anyang?
11. Why was this discovery significant?
12. What type of city was it? (hint: Location)
13. How was Shang government organized?
14. Why did the Shang rely on strong armies to maintain
their rule?
15. What invention made Shang armies especially
powerful?
16. What were the six social classes of Shang society?
Explain the daily life of each social class.
17. What religious beliefs and practices did the Shang
tombs reveal?
18. Did the Shang have a highly developed culture?
Support your response with specific artifacts.
19. What policies contributed to the downfall of the
Shang dynasty?
20. What eventually happened to the Shang dynasty?
21. The Shang dynasty was not a country but a number of
clans. Eventually, they became powerful enough to do
what?
22. You have studied five areas of Shang life. List each
of the five and explain something about it.