---
title: "Shang Dynasty — AP Art History Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "The Shang dynasty (c. 1600-1046 BCE) is China's bronze-casting powerhouse. Learn how its taotie vessels and oracle bones set up East Asian art in AP Art History Unit 8."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-art-history/key-terms/shang-dynasty"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Art History"
---

# Shang Dynasty — AP Art History Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

The Shang dynasty was an ancient Chinese civilization that ruled from approximately 1600 to 1046 BCE. They were known for their advanced bronze casting techniques, oracle bone inscriptions, and social hierarchy.

## Related Study Guides

- [1.2 Materials, Processes, and Techniques in Prehistoric Art ](/ap-art-history/unit-1/materials-processes-techniques-prehistoric-art/study-guide/R84sxcWTMa01cfwrAkNX)

## Review

### Related Terms

- Oracle bones: These were animal bones or turtle shells used by the Shang dynasty for divination purposes. They would carve questions onto them and then heat them until they cracked, interpreting the cracks as answers from ancestors.
- Social hierarchy: The Shang society had a strict social structure where the king held supreme power, followed by nobles, warriors, artisans, farmers, and slaves.
- Bronze casting: The Shang dynasty was renowned for its mastery of bronze casting techniques. They created elaborate ritual vessels and weapons using this skill.