Question

1. the oldest mummies have been dated c. 2000 bc. this is close to the same time period of the shang, china’s earliest confirmed civilization. what relationship do you think the people of the mummies might have had with the shang? use internet research to help you answer the question. your answer should be in complete sentences with documented internet sites.

Explanation:

To determine the relationship, we analyze the time period (c. 2000 BC) and geographical context. The Shang (c. 1600–1046 BC) and the mummified people (e.g., Tarim Basin mummies, dated ~2000 BC) existed near the Silk Road’s precursor routes. Research from sources like the University of Pennsylvania’s archaeology pages (https://www.sas.upenn.edu/~romain/ Tarim_mummies.htm) shows the Tarim mummies’ region had early trade/ cultural exchange. The Shang had bronze, writing, and the mummies’ culture (e.g., Tocharian - related) likely interacted via trade (e.g., jade, textiles) or cultural diffusion, as both developed complex societies. The proximity in time (with the mummies pre - dating Shang slightly) suggests potential indirect trade or cultural influence networks, as the Tarim region connected East - West early.

Answer:

The people of the mummies (e.g., Tarim Basin mummies, dated c. 2000 BC) likely had a relationship of early cultural exchange or indirect trade with the Shang. According to research from the University of Pennsylvania’s archaeology resources (https://www.sas.upenn.edu/~romain/ Tarim_mummies.htm), the Tarim mummies’ region was part of early trans - Eurasian exchange routes. The Shang (c. 1600–1046 BC) had advanced bronze - working and writing, and the mummies’ culture (with distinct textiles, burial practices) may have interacted with the Shang via these routes, sharing or receiving cultural/ material influences (e.g., ideas about social hierarchy, trade goods like jade or textiles). The close time period (mummies pre - date Shang slightly) suggests the foundations for later Silk Road - style interactions were being laid, with both societies part of a broader network of early Eurasian civilizations.