The Discovery of the First Chinese Writing

Clip: Episode 1 | 2m 39sVideo has Closed Captions | CC

Michael uncovers clues to China’s first dynasty, the Shang, in a traditional drug store.

Michael Wood tells how China’s greatest archaeological discovery started with a packet of over the counter medicine in a traditional Chinese drug store! In 1899, a Chinese scholar called Wang fell ill with malaria but he got more than he bargained for with his prescription! On the ‘dragon bones’, which he had to grind up and drink for his fever, he recognised the earliest Chinese writing!

Aired 06/20/2017 | Rating NR

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