TV program sheds light on Shang Dynasty

The Big History of China, an online program which aims to shed light on the lesser-known details of ancient society, has recently aired the first season on Henan Satellite TV and the streaming site Youku.

Consisting of 10 episodes, the program centers on the transitions taking place near or during Shang Dynasty (c.16th century-11th century BC), reflecting the progress from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age, and from ancestors leading a nomadic life to their settling down through farming crops and livestock, as well as the shaping of the first dynasty.

A highlight is the evolution of jiaguwen, or oracle bone inscriptions -- the ancestors of modern Chinese characters that were engraved on tortoise shells or animal bones -- which are featured in interesting stories in the program.

With veteran actor Huang Zhizhong as the anchor, the program, which required two years of scriptwriting, has also invited the participation of renowned historians and experts including Fudan University's professor Ge Jianxiong, numismatist Wang Yongsheng, historical geographer Li Xiaojie and philosopher Wu Bofan.

Director Guan Zhengwen said the Shang Dynasty is a very important period in the history of China, as it has shaped the early forms of China's dynastic society, ranging from the social classes to the royal family system.