Xia, Shang and Zhou and the Ziggurats of Mesopotamia: myth, archaeology and reconstruction

What this note covers

1. China A6: context and Sima Qian's framework
2. Oracle bones and Anyang: the Shang becomes history
3. The Xia debate and the Chronology Project
4. Zhou evidence and gaps in the Chinese record
5. Assyria A7: the Ziggurat of Ur in context
6. Ziggurat sources and interpretations of purpose
7. Ziggurat gaps, reconstruction and the essay

7 sections · 12 key terms & formulas · 6 common mistakes