WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Oracle bone script was used in the late 2nd millennium BC, and is the earliest known form of Chinese writing. The vast majority of oracle bone inscriptions, of which about 150, 000 pieces have been discovered, were found at the Yinxu site located in Xiaotun Village, Anyang, Henan Province.

Detailed explanation-2: -Oracle-bone inscriptions were excavated from Yin Ruins in Anyang City, Henan Province, China. They were records of making divination and praying to gods by late Shang people from 1400 B.C.-1100 B.C.. The materials used for divination were mainly cattle scapulas and tortoise shells, as well as other animal bones.

Detailed explanation-3: -The discovery of the oracle bones in the city offered insight into the ancient Shang civilization, which some scholars had come to doubt even existed. The oracle bones with their unique language inscriptions confirmed the reality of the Shang civilization for them.

Detailed explanation-4: -The term “oracle bone” refers to ox scapulae (or shoulder blade bones) and tortoiseshells used by Shang rulers for divination. Oracle bones were said to offer a conduit to the spirits of royal ancestors, legendary figures from the past, nature deities, and other powerful spirits.