History 1601E Midterm: Test #1 Review.docx

• School: Western University
• Department: History
• Course: History 1601E
• Professor: Cary Takagaki

Document Summary

It shows that the shang king also acted as the high priest, who is best qualified to perform sacrifices to the royal ancestors and the high god di. The king also made offerings to an array of nature gods (spirits of the sun moon, yellow river, winds) The king recognized his ancestors" wishes and responses by interpreting the cracks made on heated cattle or turtle bones. King wu ding had his diviner ask the high god di or his ancestors about rain, the harvest, military expeditions, dreams, sacrifices and even a toothache. When the king was not correct about the interpretation, he could just say he did not get it wrong but he also did not get it right. E. g. we know that from oracle bone texts, the captives not needed as slaves often ended up as sacrificial victims. Also it tells us that writing was already a major element in chinese culture by 1200 bce.