Ancient site · City
Yinxu (Anyang)
Also known as Ruins of Yin, Anyang
Yinxu, at Anyang in Henan, was the last capital of the Shang dynasty during the Late Shang period, about 1250–1046 BCE, spanning the reigns of 12 kings. Excavations since 1928 have revealed palace and temple foundations, royal tombs, chariot burials and bronze workshops.
Most importantly, the site produced tens of thousands of oracle bones: turtle shells and ox bones inscribed with questions to the ancestors. They are the earliest known Chinese writing. The tomb of Fu Hao, a queen and military leader, was found intact in 1976. UNESCO listed Yinxu in 2006.
- Dates
- c. 1250–1046 BCE
- Still standing
- No, or only traces
- UNESCO World Heritage
- Yes
- Location
- 36.13° N, 114.31° E
How we know
Thousands of inscribed oracle bones found here name Shang kings, so this site is known from its own writing as well as from excavation.