How Ancient Rulers Used Bones to Seek Guidance

Oracle bones represent one of the earliest forms of Chinese writing and offer a rare look into the decision-making of Shang Dynasty rulers. These bones typically ox scapulae or turtle shells served as tools for divination.

How Divination Worked

Priests carved questions on the bones, often about warfare, harvests, weather, or royal affairs. They then applied heat until the bones cracked.

Reading the Cracks

The shapes of the cracks were interpreted as messages from ancestors or deities. The results, along with the questions, were recorded on the bones, preserving valuable historical information.

Why Oracle Bones Matter

These artifacts reveal:

Early Chinese writing
Details of daily life and royal concerns
The spiritual beliefs of the Shang Dynasty

A Window Into Ancient Thought

Oracle bones bridge the worlds of archaeology and spirituality, showing how rulers sought divine approval before making important decisions.