Ancient China - Inventions

Question 0

3 Essential Facts about Divining Bones -

Answer 0

1. Were the earliest example of writing in ancient China.
2. Were relied upon heavily during the Shang dynasty due to the dynasty’s superstitious beliefs
3. Greatly influenced the decisions of Shang emperors

Question 1

Where did the Divining Bone come from?

Answer 1

It was made commonplace during the Shang dynasty. Was used in divination ceremonies.

Question 2

3 Essential Facts about Crossbows -

Answer 2

1. Were extremely powerful; they could pierce through armour
2. Were an ingenious (and still is) weapon and gave China an advantage in battle as no one could figure out how the contraption worked
3. Despite being precise and strong weapons, they were laborious to set up and replace each arrow, so they had to be strategically placed

Question 3

Which bones were most commonly used as divining bones?

Answer 3

Turtle shells, ox shoulder blades and plastrons were used the most as divining bones.