Year 3 - History
What archaeologists have found out about the Shang
The Shang: What have archaeologists found out about them?
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
These units analyse the way in which archaeologists have found out about the Indus Valley Civilisation and the Shang dynasty. Whichever unit is chosen, pupils examine the archaeological record of an early civilisation and develop their knowledge of what claims are based on these remains.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain some of the things archaeologists have found out about the Shang from the artefacts they have studied.
Key Notes
- The Shang were accomplished in using jade and bronze to create art, weapons and other objects.
- Fu Hao's tomb has shown archaeologists that women could rise to positions of power.
- Shang bronze dings and oracle bones show how they worshipped their ancestors.
- Archaeologists also know lots about the Shang because of all the writing found on oracle bones.
- A good explanation of the things archaelogists have found out about the Shang will use knowledge from across this unit.
Vocabulary To Learn
- oracle bones: oracle bones were pieces of ox bone or turtle shell that were used by the Shang Dynasty to try to predict the future
- ancestor: an ancestor is a person who was in someone's family in past times
- taotie: the taotie is a mythical animal-like creature that is often used as decoration on items
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Women could not hold positions of power in the Shang Dynasty.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
The Shang were accomplished in using jade and bronze to create art, weapons and other objects. Fu Hao's tomb has shown archaeologists that women could rise to positions of power.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'oracle bones'
oracle bones were pieces of ox bone or turtle shell that were used by the Shang Dynasty to try to predict the future.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: Women could not hold positions of power in the Shang Dynasty. Correction: The tomb of Fu Hao tells us that she was a powerful queen and one of the most successful and important army generals of her time.
More Lessons In This Unit
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