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November 30, 2025
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FAQ

jan 1, 1436 BC - Oracle Bones

Description:

1. During the Shang dynasty, kings, when confronted with a questions about their rule, often went to oracles. An oracle is a person who the gods and goddesses relay messages through. Describe the process of how oracles received these messages from the gods though oracle bones:
A King would ask a question to the ancestor, and then press a hot needle to the back of the oracle bone being used, which would make the bone crack. The different cracks were believed to be messages.
2. As stated in the above question, Shang kings went to oracles to ask about certain aspects of their rule. What do you think are two questions that a king would ask an oracle during this time period?
1. Where to hunt
2. Where to build cities

Added to timeline:

Date:

jan 1, 1436 BC
Now
~ 3464 years ago

Images: