Shang Dynasty

How did scholars learn that the Shang dynasty was real and not just a myth?

• They read old books

• They found artifacts

• They learned the language.

• They asked Chinese elders

In the Shang civilization, Anyang was an important city because

• it was home to many skilled artisans.

• it was where the king lived.

• many royal tombs are located there.

• all of these are correct

What led archaeologists to conclude that the Shang believed in life after death?

• finding food and weapons buried with kings

• figuring out the characters carved into bones

• seeing pots used for ceremonies in the temples

• studying the position in which bodies were laid out

What most helped Shang kings stay in power?

• use of a powerful army

• belief in magical dragons

• kindness to ordinary people

• marriage into wealthy families

Shang weapons were especially strong because skilled artisans made these objects from

• bronze

• bone

• iron

• stone

What have scholars concluded from the large number of wild animal bones found at Shang sites?

• The Shang kept livestock

• The Shang rode elephants

• The Shang were active hunters

• The Shang feared animal attacks.

Which of these Shang people had the lowest social status?

• merchants

• jade carvers

• stonemasons

• grain farmers

The modern Chinese word for “merchant” is shang ren, which means “Shang man.” What does this suggest about Shang culture?

• The Shang traded a great deal

• Most Shang could read and write

• Most Shang had personal armies

• The Shang used cowrie shells as money

What often happened to people the Shang captured in wars?

• They married into the royal family

• They worked on construction, as slaves

• They were given land to start new farms

• They learned the skills to become artisans

For what purpose would a Shang leader most likely use an oracle bone made from a turtle shell?

• to serve a ceremonial meal

• to make music for his family

• to send messages to the nobles

• to ask advice from his ancestors