The Shang dynasty is the earliest dynasty within traditional Chinese history that is firmly supported by archaeological evidence. The archaeological site of Yinxu, near modern-day Anyang, corresponds to the final Shang capital of Yin.
Shang dynasty, the first recorded Chinese dynasty for which there is both documentary and archaeological evidence. The Shang dynasty was the reputed successor to the quasi-legendary first dynasty, the Xia (c. 2070–c. 1600 BCE).
The Shang Dynasty (circa 1600 to 1046 BCE) was the second dynasty of China, which succeeded the Xia Dynasty (circa 2070 to 1600 BCE) after the overthrow of the Xia tyrant Jie by the Shang leader, Tang.
When the Shang tribal leader conquered the Xia Dynasty (2070–1600 BC) territory, he founded a new dynasty called the Shang Dynasty. The Shang Empire spread to cover northern and central China during the next 1,500 years.