Ancient Chinese civilization developed along major rivers like the Yellow River and Yangtze River. Religion and government were closely intertwined in early China. The Shang dynasty practiced polytheism and ancestral worship to appease gods and ensure good harvests. They communicated with gods through oracle bones to predict disasters. The Zhou dynasty overthrew the Shang using the concept of the Mandate of Heaven to justify their rule, and established a feudal system giving power to local lords in exchange for loyalty and military support.

4. The Shang Government 1st Shang Ruler - Shang Tang (Zi Lu). Ruled for around 30 years ~ (circa 1675-1646 BCE)... after overthrowing the tyrant Jie, last emperor of the Xia Dynasty. Tang was a popular ruler who lowered taxes and spread the influence of his kingdom along the Yellow River. He established Anyang as the new capital and lowered the number of conscripted soldiers. Tang's reign was plagued by a series of droughts and, in the 21st year of his reign, he minted gold coins to be given to the poor so they could buy back their children sold to finance their survival.

6. Religious ceremonies also featured human sacrifice when a king was buried or when a new palace was being consecrated. Bad fortune such as crop failure, disease, drought or pestilence was considered a sign that the gods were angry. In this instance, the king was expected to determine which god was the unhappy one and make sacrifice to appease him! Worshipped "Shang Di" ("The Lord on High"). This god was the supreme being that ruled over the elements (e.g. rain, sun, wind) and could bring disaster (drought, famine, disease etc) as well as good fortune in the form of favorable conditions for the community. Shang Di was too powerful to communicate directly with so other gods could intercede on behalf of the people. The Shang Dynasty