Shang Dynasty(16th century-11st century B.C.)
Unearthed at Anyang, Henan

Since late the 19th century, many oracle bones of turtle shells andanimal bones discovered at Anyang were found to bear carvedinscriptions which are refereed to as "oracle bone inscriptions".They are so far the most ancient writtings system in China, whichkept abundant information on politics, economy, military andscience of the Shang Dynasty.

Oracle bone inscriptions recorded the activities ofthe royal family of the Shang Dynasty. Among the rich contentsthere are of pedigree of kings, local kingdoms, warfare, religiousbelief, agriculture, meteorological, phenomena, construction anddiseases of the Shang society.