Fu Hao's Tomb at 50: Unraveling the mysteries of a Shang Dynasty woman

Five decades have passed since the tomb of Fu Hao and its extravagant burial treasures were brought to light, yet many questions remain about the life of this remarkable woman, who lived during the late Shang Dynasty (c. 16th century-11th century BC).

Scholars and archaeologists from across China and abroad gathered in Anyang, Henan province, where Fu Hao's tomb was discovered in 1976, for a forum on Tuesday to mark the 50th anniversary of the historic excavation and exchange the latest research findings, pooling the knowledge of researchers who have spent years piecing together the life of Fu Hao and her era.

Fu Hao was one of the three wives of Wu Ding, a ruler of the Shang Dynasty, and is believed to have been the country's first known female general. Her status and capabilities are vividly exemplified by the variety of artifacts found in her tomb: bronzes, jades, weapons and accessories.

Organized by Yinxu Museum, the symposium opened discussions on the sizable bronze plates and head ornaments buried with her, broadening the focus to the Shang Dynasty as a whole, the lives of its aristocrats and the workings of its social fabric.

Fu Hao's tomb is part of the Yinxu Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site known as the remains of the late Shang capital, where inscribed oracle bones were discovered.