Question: What early Chinese dynasties should I know? (scroll down for answer)       A dynasty is a chain of family rule. This tends to be autocratic, or where total power is centered within the ruler. You should know: 1. Shang Dynasty - c1500-1050 BC - They mostly lived in the forest. They created wall-like structures for protection. They also prayed through oracle bones. These were usually ox bones or tortoise shells which were used to communicate with the gods. 2. Zhou Dynasty - c1027BC - 250BC - They made great strides in bronze-making (and later iron), silk, and script (writing). They operated under feudalism. Explained later, this was a system where land was exchanged for military service so lords could maintain their property. Click here for next flash card.      Back to eFlashcard headquarters