History Detective Investigates: The Shang Dynasty of Ancient China is a hands-on, investigative approach to history. Learn all about Ancient China, its people and the story of Ancient China that goes back over 3,000 years.

The Shang Dynasty was the second dynasty of the three dynasty periods. It followed on from the Xia Dynasty. It was the first dynasty to provide written records of the life in China and it is renowned for making great contributions to Chinese civilisation.

Founded sometime around 1600BCE The Shang Dynasty was governed by a series of about 29 kings over a 600 year period. They were situated along the Yellow River Valley and historians know a lot about their lives from the discovery of the oracle bones, ancient tombs and cities and other artefacts.

The Shang Dynasty is known for the invention of early writing, the development of a government, their skill with bronze and their use of the chariot and bronze weapons in warfare.

Contains maps, paintings, artefacts and photographs to show what life was like under the Shang Dynasty.

Ideally suited for readers age 8+ or teachers who are looking for books to support the new curriculum for 2014.

If you enjoy reading about The Shang Dynasty of Ancient China then take a look at Stone Age to Iron Age, The Mayan Civilization, Early Islamic Civilization and The Indus Valley.

This book is part of a book series called The History Detective Investigates .

There are 32 pages in this book. This book was published 2015 by Hachette Children's Group .

Geoff Barker has been editing and writing books for both children and adults for more than 20 years. He is now a full-time author.