Formation and early expansion of the Shang state (c. 1600–1300 BCE)

1. Zhengzhou Shang City develops as a major center

   Jan 1, 1630 BCELabels: Zhengzhou, Erligang culture

   • Zhengzhou Site
   • Britannica Bronzes

2. Erligang walled city founded at Yanshi

   Jan 1, 1599 BCELabels: Yanshi, Erligang walled

   • XSZ Project

3. Early Shang horizon spreads across the Central Plains

   Jan 1, 1550 BCELabels: Central Plains, Erligang horizon

   • Britannica
   • Britannica Bronzes

4. Large rammed-earth urban fortifications take shape

   Jan 1, 1550 BCELabels: rammed-earth walls, Erligang centers

   • Zhengzhou Site

5. Piece-mold bronze casting supports elite ritual power

   Jan 1, 1500 BCELabels: bronze casting, ritual vessels

   • British Museum
   • Britannica Bronzes

6. Shang influence extends south to Panlongcheng

   Jan 1, 1500 BCELabels: Panlongcheng, Hubei

   • Britannica
   • MDPI Study

7. Southern outposts link Central Plains to metal resources

   Jan 1, 1450 BCELabels: Panlongcheng, metal resources

   • MDPI Study
   • Panlongcheng

8. Shang state maintains multiple capitals before Yin

   Jan 1, 1400 BCELabels: multiple capitals, Shang court

   • Britannica
   • Britannica Bronzes

9. Oracle-bone divination records flourish at Yin

   Jan 1, 1400 BCELabels: Yinxu, oracle bones

   • UNESCO
   • Cambridge Core

10. Anyang becomes enduring late Shang political core

    Jan 1, 1399 BCELabels: Anyang, Shang kings

    • Britannica
    • Britannica Bronzes

11. Huanbei walled city built near Anyang

    Jan 1, 1350 BCELabels: Huanbei, Huayuanzhuang

    • Huanbei

12. Huanbei abandoned shortly before Yinxu’s rise

    Jan 1, 1300 BCELabels: Huanbei, abandonment

    • Huanbei
    • Britannica

13. Capital relocation to Yin aligned with earliest Yinxu layers

    Jan 1, 1300 BCELabels: Yin capital, Yinxu

    • XSZ Project
    • Britannica