Established in 1600 B.C., the Shang Dynasty marked a golden age of early Chinese civilization. Ancient China emerges in the light of history for the first time, shown in the clear written records that remain.
The Shang Dynasty spanned over 500 years, and the kings, like many rulers of the ancient world, kept control by constantly waging wars. One of the monarchs, who grew up among the common folk, led the Shang to its pinnacle. He was Wu Ding, the 23rd king of the Shang Dynasty.
