Shang Dynasty: Map & History
The Shang dynasty, also known as the Yin dynasty, was a Chinese royal dynasty that ruled in the Yellow River valley during the 2nd millennium BC, traditionally succeeding the Xia dynasty and followed by the Western Zhou dynasty.
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The Shang dynasty, also known as the Yin dynasty, was a Chinese royal dynasty that ruled in the Yellow River valley during the 2nd millennium BC, traditionally succeeding the Xia dynasty and followed by the Western Zhou dynasty. The classic account of the Shang comes from texts such as the Book of Documents, Bamboo Annals and Shiji. Modern scholarship dates the dynasty between the 16th and 11th centuries BC, with more agreement surrounding the end date than beginning date.
Modern Countries Once Part of Shang Dynasty
At its mapped extent, Shang Dynasty covered territory in 1 present-day country. The period shown is when the mapped borders include that country, and the note says how much of it.
States and Provinces
Largest Present-Day Cities in Its Territory
Each opens on the live map inside Shang Dynasty's borders of that time.
Derived by testing mapped cities against this polity's dated territorial polygons, so the list is indicative and follows the borders in the source dataset.
Shang Dynasty: Key Facts
| Capitals | Yinxu, Bo, Ao |
|---|---|
| Official language | Old Chinese |
| Religion | Chinese folk religion |
| Form of government | monarchy |
| Founded | 1600 BCE |
| Dissolved | 1046 BCE |
Preceded by
- Xia dynasty
Succeeded by
- Western Zhou
Facts from Wikidata Q128938 (CC0).
Shang Dynasty Map Over Time
Dated world maps on which Shang Dynasty appears, with the other states of the time.
Shang Dynasty Timeline
Key historical inflections from foundation to peak territorial expansion
Expansion to peak recorded area of 154,175 km² in 1050 BCE.
Shang Dynasty: Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Shang Dynasty exist?
The Shang Dynasty is dated to 1600 BCE – 1001 BCE, in the Bronze Age Civilizations era.
What was the capital of the Shang Dynasty?
The capital of the Shang Dynasty was ) (either modern Yanshi or Zhengzhou), Ao (near modern Zhengzhou), Yan (near modern Qufu), Xiang (near modern Anyang), Yin (near modern Anyang), Zhaoge (near modern Qi County, Hebi).
How large was the Shang Dynasty at its peak?
At its peak in 1050 BC the Shang Dynasty covered about 154,175 km².
How did the map of the Shang Dynasty change over time?
The Shang Dynasty appears on 2 dated world maps in the atlas, from 1500 BCE to 1200 BCE. Each shows its borders in that year next to the other states of the time.