Yinxu

Quick Facts: Who was Yinxu?

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Yinxu

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Archaeological site marking the final capital of the Shang dynasty in ancient China.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Yinxu (Mandarin pronunciation: [ín.ɕý]; Chinese: 殷墟; lit. 'Ruins of Yin') is a Chinese archeological site corresponding to Yin, the final capital of the Shang dynasty (c. 1600 – c. 1046 BCE). Located in present-day Anyang, Henan, Yin served as the capital during the Late Shang period (c. 1250 – c. 1046 BCE) which spanned the reigns of 12 Shang kings and saw the emergence of oracle bone script, the earliest known Chinese writing. Along with oracle bone script and other material evidence for the Shang's existence, the site was forgotten for millennia. Its rediscovery in 1899 resulted from an investigation into oracle bones that were discovered being sold nearby.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

The rediscovery of Yinxu marked the beginning of decades of intensive excavation and study. It is one of China's oldest and largest archeological sites, and was selected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2006. Yinxu is located in northern Henan, near modern Anyang and the borders Henan shares with Hebei and Shanxi. Public access to the site is permitted. According to the 2nd century Shuowen Jiezi dictionary (說文解字), the Chinese character "殷" (yīn) originally referred to "vibrant music-making".

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Although frequently used throughout written history to refer to both the Shang dynasty and its final capital, the name Yīn (殷) appears to have not been used in this way until the succeeding Zhou dynasty. In particular, the name does not appear in the oracle bones, which refer to the state as Shāng (商), and its final capital as Dàyì Shāng (大邑商 "Great Settlement Shang"). Among surviving ancient Chinese historical documents, Yin is described as the final capital of the Shang dynasty. There is some disagreement, though, as to when the move to Yin took place. Both the Book of Documents, (specifically, the "Pan Geng" chapter, which is believed to date from the late Spring and Autumn period), and the Bamboo Annals state that Shang king Pan Geng moved the Shang capital to Yin.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1046: 1046 Milestone — 1046 BCE) which spanned the reigns of 12 Shang kings and saw the emergence of oracle bone script, the earliest known Chinese writing.
2. 1899: 1899 Milestone — Its rediscovery in 1899 resulted from an investigation into oracle bones that were discovered being sold nearby.
3. 2006: 2006 Milestone — It is one of China's oldest and largest archeological sites, and was selected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2006.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Yinxu

True or False: “The name Yinxu was used to refer to the Shang capital during its peak period, as evidenced by early oracle bones.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The oracle bones primarily referred to the state as Dàyìshāng or Shāngyì, not using the name Yīn (殷) for the capital.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Yinxu