What archaeologists have found out about the Shang
I can explain some of the things archaeologists have found out about the Shang from the artefacts they have studied.
What archaeologists have found out about the Shang
I can explain some of the things archaeologists have found out about the Shang from the artefacts they have studied.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- 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.
Keywords
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 misconception
Women could not hold positions of power in the Shang Dynasty.
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.
To help you plan your year 3 history lesson on: What archaeologists have found out about the Shang, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 3 history lesson on: What archaeologists have found out about the Shang, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 2 history lessons from the The Shang: What have archaeologists found out about them? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
ox bone or turtle shell used to predict the future
a mythical animal-like creature that is often used as decoration
a person who was in someone's family in past times