Writing
The oldest form of writing are oracle bone inscriptions. (see "Decision Making" in the Organized Government tab). According to comparisons to modern day Chinese characters, it is evident that the Shang had already developed the principles of the writing system. Since then, the Chinese writing system has gone through few changes since it was developed.
The oracle bones have reveal much about the Shang civilization, including the names of its kings, their style of government, its military history, its religious beliefs and rituals and its society.
The writings upon the oracle bones (along with other artifacts) reveal that the Shang kings were constantly at war with many outsiders. The oracle bone contained questions relating to the battles.
As little as we know about the other aspects of the Shang dynasty, we know even less about their literature and official documents as they were recorded on strips of bamboo and silk that have decomposed over time. No written records have been found either. However, the oracle bones and bronze inscriptions can still be interpreted today. The writings are short and don't say much and most of it are writings on oracle bones.
The oracle bones have reveal much about the Shang civilization, including the names of its kings, their style of government, its military history, its religious beliefs and rituals and its society.
The writings upon the oracle bones (along with other artifacts) reveal that the Shang kings were constantly at war with many outsiders. The oracle bone contained questions relating to the battles.
As little as we know about the other aspects of the Shang dynasty, we know even less about their literature and official documents as they were recorded on strips of bamboo and silk that have decomposed over time. No written records have been found either. However, the oracle bones and bronze inscriptions can still be interpreted today. The writings are short and don't say much and most of it are writings on oracle bones.