Everyone in the world knows that Shang Tang destroyed Xia and created a glorious history of the Shang Dynasty. However, in the oracle bone inscription, the most important historical document of the Shang Dynasty, there is little mention of this achievement. This can't help but make people wonder: Is it not true that Shang Tang destroyed the summer? Or was this momentous event deliberately concealed? With the continuous development of archaeology, an astonishing discovery gradually emerged: the Xia Dynasty was not called Xia! This discovery not only subverts our understanding of China's early history, but also provides new clues to solve the mystery of Shang Tang's destruction of Xia. So, what exactly is the Xia Dynasty called? Why is it called "summer" by later generations? What is the truth about Shang Tang's destruction of summer? Let's unravel the mystery of this long-forgotten history.
In the long river of Chinese history, Shang Tang's destruction of Xia is undoubtedly an extremely important turning point. This event marked the fall of the Xia dynasty and the establishment of the Shang dynasty, inaugurating the second dynasty in Chinese history. However, when we open the oracle bone inscription, the oldest historical document, we find that the account of this momentous event is almost blank.
The oracle bone inscription, as the most important written record of the Shang Dynasty, was mainly used for divination and sacrificial activities. It records the various activities, major events, and sacrificial ceremonies of the Shang rulers. It stands to reason that Shang Tang, as the founder of the Shang Dynasty, destroyed the Xia, which should be a merit worthy of special mention. But puzzlingly, among the tens of thousands of oracle bone inscriptions that have been discovered, there is very little mention of this incident.
This silence has sparked much speculation among scholars. Some believe that this may be because oracle bones are primarily used to record things in the present, rather than tracing past history. Some scholars have suggested that the Shang rulers may have deliberately downplayed the fact of the destruction of Xia in order to avoid being seen as usurpers. But none of these explanations seem to fully explain Oracle's silence on this momentous historical event.
What is even more confusing is that the Shang Dynasty had a very complete sacrificial system. The rulers of the Shang Dynasty attached great importance to the sacrifice of the previous kings, especially to the founder of the country, Shang Tang. In many oracle bone inscriptions, we can see records of frequent sacrifices to Shang Tang by the descendants of the Shang Dynasty. Why, then, is there very little mention of Shang Tang's greatest achievement in these sacrificial records - the destruction of Xia Jianshang?
This contradiction has triggered scholars to rethink the historical event of Shang Tang's destruction of Xia. Some archaeologists are beginning to wonder if there are some historical factors that we don't yet know about that led to the oracle's silence on the event.
With the deepening of archaeological work, a new discovery has gradually attracted the attention of scholars. During the excavation of the Erlitou site, archaeologists found some interesting written records. These records seem to suggest that a powerful civilization did exist before the Shang Dynasty, but that civilization may not have been called "Xia".
This discovery provides a new way of thinking for solving the mystery of Shang Tang's extinction of summer. If the dynasty before the Shang Dynasty was not called "Xia", then the Shang Tang extermination of Xia may be a misunderstanding or reinterpretation by later generations. This also explains why there is almost no mention of the destruction of Xia in the oracle bone inscriptions.
Further research has shown that there are indeed some references to the previous dynasty in Shang oracle bone inscriptions and bronze inscriptions, but the title used in these records is not "Xia" but "Xiyi" or "Yu". This discovery not only explains the lack of records of the destruction of Xia in the oracle bone inscriptions, but also provides a new perspective for us to re-understand the early history of China.
However, this raises a new question: if the dynasty before the Shang Dynasty was not called "Xia", then how did the name "Xia" come about? Why is the name "Xia" commonly used in later historical records? The answers to these questions may require us to further explore the changes in historical concepts during the Zhou Dynasty and the deeper meaning of the word "Xia" in ancient Chinese culture.
With the continuous progress of archaeology, the excavation of the Erlitou site has provided key clues to unravel the mystery of the true name of the Xia Dynasty. The Erlitou ruins, located in Luoyang, Henan Province, are considered by many scholars to be the ruins of the capital city of the late Xia Dynasty. This vast ancient city site not only shows a highly developed Bronze Age civilization, but also provides valuable physical evidence for us to understand the true face of the Xia Dynasty.
In the Erlitou site, archaeologists have found a large number of bronzes, jades and pottery, and the level of craftsmanship and artistic style of these artifacts show a close connection with the later Shang Dynasty culture. The most striking finds, however, are some pottery shards and bronzes with inscriptions. Although these texts are not numerous, they provide important clues to our understanding of the true title of the Xia Dynasty.
On these cultural relics, archaeologists have found two important words, "Xiyi" and "Yu". "Xiyi" seems to refer to an important political entity, while "Yu" may refer to the ruler or founder of this political entity. This discovery has led scholars to boldly speculate that the true name of the Xia Dynasty may have been "Xiyi", not the "Xia" as we know it.
Further research has shown that the title "Xiyi" also appeared in oracle bone inscriptions in the early Shang Dynasty. In these oracle bone records, "Xiyi" is described as a political entity that had frequent interactions with the Shang dynasty. These interactions include military conflicts, trade exchanges, and even intermarriage. All this evidence suggests that the "Xiyi" is likely to be what we usually call the "Xia Dynasty".
Why, then, is this regime called "Xia" in later historical records? This involves the original meaning of the word "Xia" and its evolution. In ancient Chinese, the original meaning of the word "Xia" was "big" or "gorgeous". It is often used to describe a strong, civilized country or nation. With the passage of time, "Xia" gradually became synonymous with the civilization of the Central Plains.
Archaeologists speculate that after the establishment of the Zhou Dynasty, in order to emphasize its legitimacy and civilizational heritage, it may have deliberately referred to the powerful regime before the Shang Dynasty as "Xia". This practice not only reflects the Zhou people's reinterpretation of history, but also their emphasis on the continuity of the Central Plains civilization.
In this process, the character "Yu" played a key role. The legendary Dayu is one of the most famous myths and legends in ancient China. The Zhou people may have associated "Yu", the founder or important ruler of "Xiyi", with "Dayu", the hero of water control, further strengthening the legitimacy and sacredness of this regime.
This reinterpretation of history was not unique to the Zhou dynasty. In fact, in ancient China, each new dynasty underwent a certain degree of reinterpretation of the history of the previous dynasty in order to consolidate the legitimacy of its rule. This practice reached its peak during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, and it was during this period that the historical narrative framework of "Xia, Shang, and Zhou" gradually took shape and solidified.
However, the formation of this historical narrative is not imaginary. It is likely to be a reinterpretation and collation based on some real history. "Xiyi" does exist as a powerful political entity, and the figure "Yu" may also have its historical archetype. What the Zhou people did was to recombine these historical elements and give them new meanings and symbols.
This discovery not only changed our understanding of the Xia Dynasty, but also provided us with a new perspective on our understanding of early Chinese history. It reminds us that when studying ancient history, we should not simply rely on the documents of later generations, but should combine archaeological discoveries to restore the truth of history in a more objective and scientific way.
The historical background of Shang Tang's destruction of Xia is complex and diverse, involving political, economic, military and other aspects. To fully understand this historical event, we need to conduct an in-depth analysis from the perspectives of the political situation in late Xia, the reasons for the rise of Shang Tang, and the key role of Yi Yin in the destruction of Xia.
The political situation at the end of the summer can be described as stormy. According to traditional historical records, the last monarch of the Xia Dynasty, King Ji, was mediocre and tyrannical. He built a lot of buildings, built luxurious palaces, and looted the people's fat and ointment, making the people's livelihood miserable. It is recorded in the "Historical Records" that King Ji "advocated the best in the palace for the long night drink", indulged in wine, and ignored the government. What's more, he also ordered the ministers who gave advice to be put in prison, resulting in the tragedy of "the punishment of the copper coffin".
However, from an archaeological point of view, the political situation in late summer may have been more complex than the traditional account. Archaeological discoveries in the late Erlitou culture suggest that the Central Plains region may have entered a new stage of social change during this period. The widespread use of bronzes, the expansion of the size of cities, and the further refinement of the social division of labor all indicate that a new form of civilization is being born. This social change inevitably brought political upheaval and a redistribution of power.
In this context, the reason for the rise of SenseTime is particularly important. Shang Tang, formerly known as Cheng Tang, was the leader of the Shang tribe. The Shang tribe is located in the lower reaches of the Yellow River, with a superior geographical location and a developed economy. Archaeological discoveries show that Shang culture showed strong vitality and innovation ability in the early days of its formation. Especially when it comes to bronze smelting technology, merchants show a clear advantage.
SenseTime himself has been described as a leader of exceptional talent. According to the "Historical Records", Shang Tang "is nine feet long, his hands can reach his knees, and his eyes can see his ears", although this is mythical, but it also reflects the admiration of later generations for Shang Tang's ability. More importantly, Shang Tang implemented benevolent governance and recruited talents, which made the Shang tribe quickly become strong.
In the process of SenseTime's rise, a key figure that cannot be ignored is Yi Yin. Yi Yin played a crucial role in the destruction of Xia. In traditional historical records, Yi Yin is described as a virtuous minister, who was originally a courtier of the Xia Dynasty and later defected to Shang Tang and became an important advisor to Shang Tang.
However, the latest archaeological discoveries and historical research offer a different perspective. Some scholars have suggested that Yi Yin may not be an individual, but represents a political group that supports SenseTime. This group may have included a number of nobles and local forces who were dissatisfied with the Xia rule. They provided significant political and military support to Shang Tang, setting the stage for Shang Tang to eventually replace the Xia dynasty.
Yi Yin's specific role in the process of destroying Xia may include the following aspects: First, he may have helped Shang Tang develop a detailed political and military strategy. Second, he may have acted as a liaison between Shang Tang and other anti-Xia forces, helping Shang Tang build a broad political alliance. Finally, he may have been involved in the design and implementation of the new political system after SenseTime established a new regime.
It is worth noting that Shang Tang's destruction of summer did not happen overnight. Archaeological evidence suggests that this may have been a gradual process that could take decades or even centuries. In the process, the Shang tribe gradually expanded their sphere of influence and constantly challenged the rule of the Xia dynasty. The final "extinction of Xia" may be more like a shift in the political center than a dynastic change in the traditional sense.
This gradual pattern of regime change also explains why there are few direct references to the "extinction of Xia" in oracle bone inscriptions. For the rulers of the Shang Dynasty, they may have preferred to see themselves as the natural successors of the Central Plains civilization rather than as conquerors. This attitude has appeared many times in later Chinese history, reflecting an important feature of ancient Chinese political culture: the emphasis on the continuity and legitimacy of regime change.
The process of Shang Tang's destruction of summer is a historical chapter of ups and downs, and its impact is far-reaching and long-lasting. This event not only marked the first well-documented change of dynasty in Chinese history, but also provided a model for the change of power in later generations.
According to traditional historical records, the process of Shang Tang's destruction of Xia began with the exhortation of Xia Wangji. Shang Tang sent Yi Yin to the Xia capital, hoping to persuade King Ji to change his tyranny through diplomatic means. However, this attempt was not successful. Not only did he not listen to the advice, but he oppressed the people even more unscrupulously.
Faced with this situation, SenseTime decided to take military action. He first united the surrounding vassal states to form an anti-Xia alliance. This alliance included a number of princes who were dissatisfied with the rule of the Xia Dynasty, such as the Xin clan and the Kunwu clan. Shang Tang skillfully expanded its political influence through marriages and gifts.
In terms of military preparations, SenseTime has also made full preparations. Archaeological discoveries show that the bronze weapons of the early Shang Dynasty were quite advanced, especially the bronze ge, spear and other weapons, showing the superiority of the merchants in metallurgical technology. In addition, Shang Tang also formed a strong army, including infantry, chariots and other different arms.
The decisive battle of Shang Tang to destroy Xia took place in the Battle of Narujo. Located near today's Puyang City, Henan Province, Narujo is a strategic location. According to the records of the "Historical Records", Shang Tang defeated the Xia army here and captured Xia Wei. The victory in this battle marked the replacement of the Xia Dynasty by the Shang Dynasty as the new ruler of the Central Plains.
However, archaeological discoveries in recent years offer us a different perspective. In the oracle bone inscription unearthed in Yinxu in Anyang, Henan, there is almost no mention of the event of "extinguishing summer". This may mean that the process by which Shang Tang replaced the Xia dynasty was more complex and gradual than the traditional account. It is likely that Shang Tang gradually encroached on the Xia Dynasty's sphere of influence through a series of military operations and political schemes, and finally achieved its domination of the Central Plains.
The impact of Shang Tang's summer destruction is multifaceted. First of all, in terms of political system, the Shang Dynasty inherited some of the systems of the Xia Dynasty, but also made innovations. For example, the Shang dynasty established a more complete patriarchal system and strengthened royal power. This system laid the foundation for the feudal system of later generations.
Secondly, on the economic side, the Shang dynasty promoted the further development of bronze technology. Archaeological discoveries show that the bronzes of the Shang Dynasty far surpassed those of the Xia Dynasty in both quantity and quality. This not only reflected the economic strength of the Shang Dynasty, but also promoted the development of social productive forces.
In terms of culture, the destruction of Xia in the Shang Dynasty brought about cultural integration and innovation. The merchants retained some elements of Xia culture, while also introducing their own cultural characteristics. The most striking example is the use of oracle bone inscriptions, which marked the formal formation of the Chinese writing system.
Shang Tang also had a profound impact on ancient Chinese political philosophy. In later Confucianism, the "Tangwu Revolution" became an important case for discussing the legitimacy of the monarchy's rule. Mencius's idea of "the people are precious, the community is secondary, and the monarch is light" is evidenced by the example of Shang Tang's destruction of Xia.
In addition, Shang Tang's destruction of Xia also changed the geographical pattern of ancient China. The Shang Dynasty shifted its political center from Erlitou (present-day Luoyang, Henan) to Yinxu (present-day Anyang, Henan), which not only expanded the scope of the Central Plains civilization, but also promoted the development and cultural exchange of the surrounding areas.
In military history, Shang Tang's destruction of Xia also left a deep imprint. The Battle of Narujo became the first large-scale battle in Chinese history to be recorded in detail, and provided valuable experience for later generations of military strategists. In particular, Shang Tang's strategy of uniting the princes and breaking up the enemy's alliance became a common tactic in the art of war in later generations.
Shang Tang's destruction of Xia also had an impact on ancient Chinese religion and sacrificial systems. The Shang Dynasty continued some of the sacrificial traditions of the Xia Dynasty, such as sacrificing gods and ancestors, but also added many new sacrificial contents. In particular, the complex divination system developed in the Shang Dynasty became an important part of ancient Chinese religious culture.
As the first well-documented dynastic change in Chinese history, Shang Tang's historical significance and enlightenment are far-reaching and diverse. This event not only marked the heyday of China's Bronze Age, but also provided an important reference model for the change of power in later generations.
From the perspective of the political system, Shang Tang's destruction of Xia brought about a major change in the concept of governance. On the basis of inheriting some of the systems of the Xia Dynasty, the Shang Dynasty carried out innovations and improvements. The most striking change was the establishment of the patriarchal system. The Shang Dynasty established a patriarchal system linked by blood relations, which closely integrated royal power with clan power. This system not only strengthened the rule of the royal family, but also laid the foundation for the formation of the feudal system in later generations.
In the economic sector, SenseTime has driven a significant increase in productivity. Archaeological discoveries show that the Shang Dynasty's bronz-making techniques far surpassed those of the Xia Dynasty. In particular, the Simu Wuding unearthed at the Yinxu site in Anyang, weighing 875 kilograms, demonstrates the superb level of metallurgical technology of the Shang Dynasty. This technological progress is not only reflected in bronze ritual vessels, but also in the improvement of production tools such as agricultural tools and weapons, which has greatly promoted social and economic development.
In terms of culture, SenseTime has promoted cultural integration and innovation. While retaining the essence of Xia culture, the merchants also injected their own cultural characteristics. The most representative is the appearance of oracle bones. As the earliest mature writing system in China, the oracle bone inscription not only recorded the political, economic, and military conditions of the Shang Dynasty, but also laid the foundation for the development of Chinese writing. In addition, the art of the Shang Dynasty, such as the gluttonous pattern and the kui dragon pattern on the bronzes, showed a unique aesthetic style and had a far-reaching influence.
Militarily, Shang Tang's destruction of Xia created a precedent for joint operations in Chinese history. In the Battle of Narujo, Shang Tang united the princes to attack Xia Wei's strategy, which provided valuable experience for later generations of military strategists. This mode of alliance warfare was further developed during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period and became an important part of ancient Chinese military thought.
In terms of religious beliefs, after the Shang Tang destroyed the Xia, the Shang Dynasty inherited and developed the sacrificial traditions of the Xia Dynasty. Merchants paid special attention to ancestor worship and divination activities. A large number of records of divination in the oracle bone inscriptions reflect the uniqueness of the religious beliefs of the Shang Dynasty. This religious tradition has had a profound impact on traditional Chinese culture in later generations, especially in the worship of ancestors and the concept of the Mandate of Heaven.
Shang Tang also provided important material for thinking about ancient Chinese political philosophy. In later Confucianism, the "Tangwu Revolution" became a classic case of demonstrating the legitimacy of the monarch's rule. Mencius's idea of "the people are noble and the king is light" is an example of Shang Tang's destruction of Xia. This thought emphasized the importance of public opinion and had a profound impact on ancient Chinese political thought.
The change of geographical pattern is another important influence of Shang Tang's extinction of summer. The Shang Dynasty shifted its political center from Erlitou (present-day Luoyang, Henan) to Yinxu (present-day Anyang, Henan), which not only expanded the scope of the Central Plains civilization, but also promoted cultural exchanges with the surrounding regions. Archaeological discoveries show that the cultural influence of the Shang Dynasty extended to the Yangtze River basin and the upper reaches of the Yellow River.
Shang Tang's destruction of Xia also had a profound impact on the ancient Chinese view of history. This event was regarded by later historians as a model of "orthodox" replacement, giving a positive connotation to the word "revolution". This concept of history has influenced the writing of historiography in later generations, and has also shaped some of the core concepts in traditional Chinese political culture.
In terms of social structure, after the destruction of Shang Tang, the social division of labor was further refined. Archaeological discoveries show that there were already groups of professional craftsmen in the Shang Dynasty, such as casting, jade making, etc. This deepening of the social division of labor not only improved production efficiency, but also promoted the differentiation of social classes, laying the foundation for the formation of China's social structure in later generations.
Shang Tang's destruction of Xia also had an impact on ancient Chinese diplomatic thought. Shang Tang's practice of uniting the princes provided an early example for later generations to "make friends from afar and attack closely" and "join forces vertically and horizontally". This idea of alliance diplomacy was fully developed during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, and became an important tradition in the history of ancient Chinese diplomacy.
Finally, Shang Tang's destruction of Xia, as the first well-documented change of dynasty in Chinese history, provided an important historical reference for later generations. It shows the complexity of regime change, involving military, political, economic, cultural and other aspects. The far-reaching impact of this event has been continuously revealed in the course of China's subsequent thousands of years of history, and has become an important window for understanding ancient Chinese political culture.