WORLD HISTORY

HISTORY

ANCIENT CHINA

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
The following is NOT true about oracle bones ____
A
used to communicate with the gods
B
used to ask questions to the gods
C
are animal bones
D
were used only by the Zhou Dynasty
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -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.

Detailed explanation-2: -Since Shang bronze inscriptions were very short and did not say much, most of what is known about the Shang Dynasty is from the oracle bones.

Detailed explanation-3: -Oracle bones are pieces of bone or turtle shell that were used by the ancient Chinese, especially Chinese kings, in attempts to predict the future. The ancient kings would inscribe their name and the date on the bone along with a question.

Detailed explanation-4: -No-divination using Oracle Bones was only performed by specialist “diviners”, who were often priests or advisors to the King. People who wanted to ask about the future would visit these diviners and pay them to get answers from the bones.

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