Traditional Culture Encyclopedia - Almanac inquiry - Is Zhou Wang really as fatuous as in The Romance of Gods? What was the real reason for the demise of Shang Dynasty?

Is Zhou Wang really as fatuous as in The Romance of Gods? What was the real reason for the demise of Shang Dynasty?

In China's traditional history books, Shang Zhouwang basically did nothing good. He doted on da ji, indulged in luxury, abused people's power, invented branding and other tortures, persecuted Zhongliang and killed ministers indiscriminately, and finally ruined the 600-year history of Shang Dynasty, so people said that Shang Zhouwang was a bad king and a tyrant. But is everything in the history books true? It doesn't have to be like this. Let me analyze it for you.

First of all, Zhou Wang's crimes.

Zhou Wang's crimes in the Western Zhou Dynasty recorded in Historical Records are only six: "drinking too much, disobeying orders, not using old ministers, appointing villains (people with low status in ancient times), listening to women's words and not paying attention to sacrifices". These crimes are definitely not atrocities in our eyes, and some of them are still very enlightened. Where did Zhou Wang's evil deeds come from? Gu Jiegang, a famous archaeologist, gave his own opinion through research: many so-called crimes in Zhou Wang were invented by later generations. Even if there were some vague shadows in ancient books, those cruel details were embellished by later generations. In addition, we should pay attention to the fact that Zhou, as the winner, must polish the charges he has imposed on him in order to make his rise appear ethical. Therefore, Shang Zhouwang is not as cruel as in the Romance of Gods.

Second, Shang Zhouwang's talent.

In Shang dynasty, theocracy had a high status. Some wizards usurp state power in the name of theocracy, and even become the actual controllers of the country, which is not allowed for Zhou Wang. Therefore, he opposed theocracy and reformed the old customs, but was opposed by the imperial clan wizards and pro-old factions. This measure protected slaves well, but it also laid the groundwork for the demise of Zhou Wang.

Secondly, Zhou Wang, like Qin Shihuang, has great talent. His desire to unify ancient China and conquer Dongyi is the best proof, although it was impossible at that time. In order to realize this ambition, he put his forces on attacking Li and Dongyi, so he gave him an opportunity.

Generally speaking, Zhou Wang may have some shortcomings, but he is definitely not as cruel as in The Romance of Gods.