Ancient China-Shang Dynasty (jan 30, 1766 BC – mar 22, 1046 BC)
Description:
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 holy man would say something like: “Tomorrow is a good day for the hunt.” He would press a hot needle the bone. The heat would make the bone crack. The crack was a message, and the holy man or king would translate it.
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. Is today a good day to hunt?
2. Will the hunt provide us with lots of food?
Added to timeline:
Date:
jan 30, 1766 BC
mar 22, 1046 BC
~ 720 years