Definition: AnYang was the capital of the Bronze Age Shang Dynasty in northern Henan province, China, between 1554 and 1045 BC. Excavations at this site have recovered extensive architectural foundations, tombs, chariots, thousands of bronze vessels, almost uncountable ceramics, and about 150,000 oracle bones. The oracle bones attest to a rich written language, primarily used for divination.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar.
Sources
Campbell Roderick B. 2009. Toward a Networks and Boundaries Approach to Early Complex Polities: The Late Shang Case. Current Anthropology 50(6):821-848.
More information can be found in the article called Anyang: Bronze Age Capital in China; and be sure to try your hand at the AnYang Trivia Quiz.This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar.
Alternate Spellings: An Yang, An-Yang
