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 the above

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

• iron

• stone

• bones

• bronze

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 used cowrie shells as money.

• Most Shang had personal armies.

• The Shang traded a great deal.

• Most Shang could read and write.

What often happened to people the Shang captured in wars?

• They married into the royal family.

• They enslaved and worked on construction.

• 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

If two nobles from distant parts of China met during the Shang dynasty, what would be the easiest way for them to communicate?

• by speaking, because they spoke the same language

• by trading, because they used the same type of money

• by writing, because they wrote with the same characters

• by fighting, because they fought with the same weapons

How may the Shang king and his nobles have weakened their economy?

• They bought more and more land.

• They spent too much on their palaces.

• They rarely paid artisans for their work.

• They discouraged trade with other regions.