Bronze Age

Shang Dynasty

1600 BC – 1200 BC · peak 1300 BC

The Shang dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BC) is the first Chinese dynasty supported by archaeological evidence, primarily from its final capital at Yinxu. It developed a complex social hierarchy, advanced bronze metallurgy for ritual vessels, and the earliest known Chinese writing on oracle bones. The dynasty ended following its defeat by the Zhou at the Battle of Muye.

Capital: Anyang