Question

Based on the precise nature of Shang Dynasty calendars, which can you conclude about Shang society?

1) It made contact with several other advanced cultures
2) It relied on traders to seek new ideas
3) It had skilled astronomers
4) It had a king who was also the high priest

Answer 1

"The king issued pronouncements as to when to plant crops, and the society had a highly developed calendar system with a 360-day year of 12 months of 30 days each. It was in this period that Chinese writing began to develop, and the symbol for “moon” was—as it remains—that also for “month.” The calendar took cognizance of both lunar and solar cycles; and, when it became necessary to adjust the basically lunar year to the seasonal reality of the solar year, intercalary months were added."

Answer 2

Hmm, it seems like the Shang Dynasty knew a lot about space and seasons and planets, what ca we conclude from this?