Dynasties are said to be abstract and live forever. Many have little impact on society while others have paved the way of what we are today. The Shang state and society had a significant influence on Chinese civilization. Their contributions and achievements included in the areas of technology, socio-politics, and culture. Because of their example, the structure of Chinese civilization has been developed in their model. .
The Shang existed in the period of 1766-1122 B.C.E. Even during this time, the Shang had many technological advances. One of these contributions to Chinese civilization was the technology of bronze. This time period was known as The Bronze Age. The technology of bronze help with the refining of weapons, ritual vessels, and pottery. Bronze was a great contribution to the development of ancient Chinese civilization because it gave them advantages to their daily lives. One of the most unique achievements was their silk culture. Silk culture allowed the Chinese to make silk and create a whole new industry. These technological contributions were of great impact on ancient Chinese civilization. .
Another achievement of Shang state was their view on socio-politics. Their construction of government can be compared to as a monarchy. Rather than from father to son, succession among the Shang rulers was usually from brother to brother. There was a feudal society with class rank and status with high nobility on the top and poor commoners on the bottom. Having a feudal society led to the development of a slave social economy. Eventually, the economy experienced a surplus because of the use of slaves. .
Finally there is the contribution of the Shang culture. One the greatest achievement in their culture was the use of writing. Some of the early writings were found on bronze but mostly it was inscribed on "dragon bones." These bones were actually the under-shells of tortoises, the shoulder blades of cattle, and other flattish bones.
