Treasures reveal the power of a Shang queen

The extraordinary status Fu Hao, a royal woman of the late Shang Dynasty (c. 16th-11th century BC), enjoyed is reflected in the wealth of objects buried with her. They include bronzes inlaid with gold and turquoise, seashell coins and red agate stones, offering a glimpse into the riches of her time.

These artifacts are on display at the Yinxu Museum in Anyang, Henan province, where Fu Hao's tomb was discovered in 1976. Their rarity and beauty fascinate visitors from China and abroad, while scholars see them as valuable sources of historical insight. Zhang Changping, a history professor at Wuhan University in Hubei province, says the objects point to trade between the Shang Dynasty and other cultures, including those beyond China. They also testify to the power of Wu Ding, Fu Hao's husband and the Shang ruler of the time.

Zhang shared his findings at a recent forum in Anyang, held to mark the 50th anniversary of the tomb's discovery. The city is home to the Yinxu Ruins, the archaeological site of the late Shang capital. The forum brought together scholars to discuss their latest research on Shang history and explore ways to bring their findings to the public. Beyond the stories of Fu Hao and Wu Ding, they sought to illuminate the wider world in which the royal couple lived.