The Curious Case of Chinas Forgotten Dynasty The S
The Discovery of Oracle Bones: In the early 20th century, archaeologists were digging in Anyang, a city in eastern China, when they stumbled upon an unusual artifact - oracle bones. These bones were used for divination by the ancient Chinese during the Shang Dynasty (16th to 11th centuries BCE). They are called "oracle bones" because they were used to seek guidance from spirits and gods.
Divination Through Scarring: The process of divination was quite fascinating. First, a question would be asked of the spirits through a medium or priest. Then, a hot instrument would be applied to one side of an animal bone or turtle shell to create cracks on its surface. By interpreting these cracks and markings, people believed that they could receive answers from beyond this world.
Ancient Writing System: What makes oracle bones even more significant is that they contain some of the earliest known examples of Chinese writing system - Jiaguwen script! This ancient form of writing was inscribed onto both sides of these cracked bones and shells with brushes dipped in ink made from soot mixed with animal fat or beeswax.
Recorded History Begins: Before oracle bones were discovered, it was thought that written records did not exist until much later in history during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE). However, these ancient artifacts have revealed details about life during Shang times - information about kings' reigns and wars fought between states as well as personal matters like business transactions and family relationships!
Oracle Bones Today: Today you can find many preserved oracle bones at museums such as Beijing's Palace Museum or Shanghai Museum where visitors can marvel at these relics from over 3 millennia ago! Furthermore researchers continue studying them for insights into how our ancestors lived their lives amidst ritualistic practices while seeking guidance through supernatural means.
In conclusion though little remains standing today due to natural disasters like floods which destroyed most buildings built during this period but thanks largely to findings such as those unearthed at Yin Ruins we've been able gain valuable knowledge about what life looked like back then; providing us with clues towards understanding just how far humanity has come since then!
