A Probe into the Territory of the Shang Dynasty

The question of the territory of the Shang Dynasty is one that is worth deep exploration.With the increase of the archaeological findings,by referring to literature and the relative oracle bone inscriptions,the question can be resolved gradually.The discussion of the territory of the Shang Dynesty can be carried out at three levels.At the first level is the area which is under the direct administration of the central government.At the second level is the area where the government’s administration and information reach.In the main it is under the rule of the Shang Dynasty.The area where the Shang Dynasty’s inflnence is felt is at the third level.As recorded in the Life of Jia Juanzhi in the Book of Han,“to the east it reaches as far as Jianghuang,to the west it reaches as far as Diqiang,to the south as far as Manjing and to the north Shuofang.”That is the very territory of the Shang Dynasty.