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History:
The Shang dynasty ruled
over a conglomeration of northwestern Chinese feudal territories from 1766
to 1027 BC. The remainder of the country was made up of territories that
the Shang could not reach or influence. In 1027 BC a particularly decadent
Shang ruler lost control of the kingdom and succumbed to either revolt or
the deliberate attack from the more western province of Chou. A Chou
dynasty established itself and then expanded its control to the middle and
southern areas of China over the next 400 years. With the help of a
deposed queen, barbarians from the north invaded Chou in 722 BC and sacked
the capital. The Chou dynasty relocated further to the east but never
regained its dominance. The weakening of the Chou led to the Spring and
Autumn period (722 to 481 BC) that takes its name from the title of a
history of the era. New feudal kingdoms emerged and fought each other for
territory, strategic materials, and population centers. Warfare between
the feudal territories and barbarians to the north was incessant. By 500
BC the 200 feudal territories of China had consolidated into 20
independent states. A peace was arranged around 540 BC at a conference
instigated by smaller states that had suffered continual invasion and
despoiling. Peace lasted 40 years and then hostilities resumed, setting
off the age known as the Warring States (481 to 221 BC). Seven major
states emerged in this period, but each was subjugated by the Ch’in, one
after the other, beginning in 230 BC. In 221 BC Prince Cheng, the
"Tiger of Ch’in," proclaimed himself Shih Huang-ti-the first
emperor of China.
Bonuses:
The Shang have
two major bonuses. They have -30% villager cost and double wall hit
points.
Strengths:
The Shang
villagers are very cheap to get. This makes them a fast race for getting
to the iron age.
Weaknesses:
For newbies
the Shang are not a very good pick. Since they have limited weapons to
choose from. |
