China & TibetAsiaMajor empire

Shang dynasty

c. 1600 – 1046 BCE · about 554 years approximate dates

The Shang is the earliest Chinese dynasty confirmed by contemporary records, the oracle-bone inscriptions found at its late capital Yin (Anyang). It is known for bronze ritual vessels and ancestor worship. It was overthrown by the Zhou.

Key facts

Dates	c. 1600 – 1046 BCE
Region	China & Tibet
Continent	Asia
Capitals	Bo, Ao, Yin (Anyang)
Founder	Tang of Shang
Religion(s)	Chinese folk religion, Ancestor veneration
Peak extent	≈ 1.25 million km² (c. 1122 BCE) – source

Before & after

Preceded by

Xia dynasty

Followed by

Zhou dynasty Song (state)

Sources

Wikipedia – Shang dynasty
Wikipedia – List of largest empires

Dates follow widely used reference works; many ancient dates are approximate or debated. Neutral summary for general reference.