Start
End
1899

Oracle bone inscriptions recognized as ancient script

Wang YirongOracle bones

Scholar Wang Yirong identified inscriptions on "dragon bones" sold in Beijing as ancient writing, triggering the search for their source and launching modern study of Shang inscriptions tied to the Anyang (Yin) area.

BritannicaYinxu
18991930196219932025
MKMaria Khan
Updated:Apr 23, 2026
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Anyang (Yin) archaeological excavations and timeline of major discoveries

Anyang (Yin) archaeological excavations and timeline of major discoveries

  1. Oracle bone inscriptions recognized as ancient script

    Labels: Wang Yirong, Oracle bones

  2. Oracle bone source traced to Xiaotun near Anyang

    Labels: Xiaotun, Anyang

  3. Luo Zhenyu links Xiaotun to Shang capital Yin

    Labels: Luo Zhenyu, Xiaotun, Yin

  4. First modern scientific excavations begin at Yinxu

    Labels: Li Ji, Academia Sinica, Yinxu

  5. Academia Sinica excavations uncover palatial remains and graves

    Labels: Academia Sinica, Palace area, Royal cemeteries

  6. Xibeigang “royal tombs” excavations conducted

    Labels: Xibeigang, Royal tombs

  7. Excavations halted by outbreak of full-scale war

    Labels: Anyang, Japanese invasion

  9. Permanent Anyang field station established

    Labels: Anyang, Field station

  11. Fu Hao tomb opened to the public after restoration

    Labels: Fu Hao, Restoration project

  12. New Yinxu Museum building opens in Anyang

    Labels: Yinxu Museum, Anyang

  13. Yin Xu inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

    Labels: Yin Xu, UNESCO

  14. Xindian bronze production site announced as major discovery

    Labels: Xindian, Bronze workshops

  15. Expanded Yinxu Museum building opens to the public

    Labels: Yinxu Museum, Anyang

  16. Road network discoveries reported on Yinxu’s north bank

    Labels: Huan River, Road network, Yinxu