The 'Mandate of Heaven' is a concept often associated with Chinese history. How did it relate to the Shang?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: It was actually a Zhou concept used to justify overthrowing the Shang
While the Shang believed in divine right, the formal 'Mandate of Heaven' (Tianming) was developed by the succeeding Zhou Dynasty. They argued that heaven had withdrawn its support from the Shang due to their misrule.
Keep practicing
More Shang Dynasty China questions
- Which river valley served as the heartland for the development of the Shang Dynasty?
- What primary material was used by Shang craftsmen to create elaborate ritual vessels and weapons, marking a peak in ancient metallurgy?
- Oracle bones were primarily used by the Shang kings for what purpose?
- Which city served as the final and most significant capital of the Shang Dynasty?
- What was the role of 'Di' (or Ti) in the Shang religious hierarchy?
- The Shang writing system is considered the direct ancestor of modern Chinese script because it used: