
Anyang (capital of Shang dynasty)
Anyang was the capital of the ancient Shang dynasty in China, flourishing around 1200 to 1046 BCE. It is one of the earliest known Chinese cities with large-scale architecture, written records, and sophisticated bronze work. Archaeologists have uncovered a wealth of artifacts, including oracle bones—used for divination—that reveal early Chinese writing and beliefs. The site offers valuable insights into early Chinese civilization, governance, religion, and social structure. Today, Anyang is an important archaeological and cultural site, helping us understand the development of Chinese history and the rise of complex societies in ancient East Asia.