---
title: Map of the Shang Dynasty of China, c. 1100 BCE: Bronze, Kingship, and Networks in the Yellow River World
author: Simeon Netchev
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/16231/map-of-the-shang-dynasty-of-china-c-1100-bce/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0)
updated: 2026-03-30
---

# Map of the Shang Dynasty of China, c. 1100 BCE: Bronze, Kingship, and Networks in the Yellow River World

_Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_

## Image File

[![Map of the Shang Dynasty of China, c. 1100 BCE: Bronze, Kingship, and Networks in the Yellow River World](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/16231.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/16231.png)

## Image Caption

The [Shang dynasty](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shang_Dynasty/) (c. 1600–1046 BCE) represents one of the earliest historically attested states in [China](https://www.worldhistory.org/china/), emerging in the Yellow River basin after the period traditionally associated with the Xia. Rather than a territorially unified state in the modern sense, Shang authority operated through a network of royal centers, allied lineages, and subordinate polities across the North China Plain. Kingship combined political, military, and ritual roles, with rulers acting as intermediaries between the human and ancestral realms. The period is marked by advances in [bronze](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/bronze/) metallurgy, the emergence of early [Chinese writing](https://www.worldhistory.org/Chinese_Writing/) preserved in oracle bone inscriptions, and the development of administrative and ceremonial practices that would shape later dynasties.

Over time, the Shang court relocated its political centers, with its later phase anchored at [Yin](https://www.worldhistory.org/Yin_and_Yang/), a major hub of royal authority, ritual activity, and craft production. The system was sustained by agricultural surplus, long-distance exchange, and access to key resources such as [copper](https://www.worldhistory.org/copper/) and tin. Around 1046 BCE, the dynasty was overthrown by the [Zhou](https://www.worldhistory.org/Zhou_Dynasty/), whose leaders framed this transition through the concept of the [Mandate of Heaven](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mandate_of_Heaven/), establishing a new model of political legitimacy that would influence Chinese statecraft for centuries.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history educator, passionate about the human stories that shape the past.
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeon-netchev/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Netchev, S. (2026, March 30). Map of the Shang Dynasty of China, c. 1100 BCE: Bronze, Kingship, and Networks in the Yellow River World. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/16231/map-of-the-shang-dynasty-of-china-c-1100-bce/>
### Chicago
Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Shang Dynasty of China, c. 1100 BCE: Bronze, Kingship, and Networks in the Yellow River World." *World History Encyclopedia*, March 30, 2026. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/16231/map-of-the-shang-dynasty-of-china-c-1100-bce/>.
### MLA
Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Shang Dynasty of China, c. 1100 BCE: Bronze, Kingship, and Networks in the Yellow River World." *World History Encyclopedia*, 30 Mar 2026, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/16231/map-of-the-shang-dynasty-of-china-c-1100-bce/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 30 March 2026. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0deed.en). This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.