Shangs

Explore the Shang Dynasty (1800 to 1000 B.C.) in Age of Empires IV, focusing on their unique culture and agricultural advancements along the Huang Ho and Yangtze rivers.

China, though one of the oldest civilizations, was significantly younger than those in Crete, Egypt, and Mesopotamia. Its early development was shaped by geographical isolation and later, deliberate policies by its rulers. The civilization flourished in fertile river valleys, particularly the Huang Ho (Yellow) and Yangtze rivers, which were ideal for agriculture. Around 5000 B.C., the first Chinese farming communities emerged along these rivers, benefiting from gradually spreading technologies from the west.

Despite sharing a common base of agricultural and technological knowledge with other ancient civilizations, China's relative isolation allowed for the formation of a distinct and unique culture. The Shang Dynasty was notable for being the first to achieve many significant advancements.