The story of Fu Hao

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Fu Hao: The most powerful woman in the Shang dynasty

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What do we know about Fu Hao?

Fu Hao with her army.
  • Fu Hao was a wife of King Wu Ding. He actually had 64 wives.
  • She was also a military general and high priestess.
  • She performed religious rituals and sacrifices.
  • Fu Hao had up to 13,000 troops. They won many battles.
Fu Hao with her army.
Fu Hao performing a ritual.
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What was in Fu Hao’s tomb?

Jade objects in Fu Hao's tomb.

  • In 1976 the tomb of Fu Hao was discovered. It had:

    • more than 700 jade objects.
    • more than 500 bone objects.
    • 400 bronze objects.
    • 16 dogs.
    • 16 human sacrifices.
    • many weapons including battle axes.
Jade objects in Fu Hao's tomb.
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Activities

Activity 1: Fu Hao quiz

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