Shang Dynasty(16th century-11st century B.C.)

Unearthed at Anyang, Henan

Since late the 19th century, many oracle bones of turtle shells and animal bones discovered at Anyang were found to bear carved inscriptions which are refereed to as "oracle bone inscriptions". They are so far the most ancient writtings system in China, which kept abundant information on politics, economy, military and science of the Shang Dynasty.

Oracle bone inscriptions recorded the activities of the royal family of the Shang Dynasty. Among the rich contents there are of pedigree of kings, local kingdoms, warfare, religious belief, agriculture, meteorological, phenomena, construction and diseases of the Shang society.