Like all great things, dynasties will fall. As the Shang were declining, the Zhou dynasty defeated the Shang dynasty and established themselves as the new rightful rulers of China. The Zhou inherited cultural traditions from their Neolithic ancestors in the northwest, but inherited many material traditions from the Shang Dynasty. The Zhou dynasty was the first period in which texts were transmitted, such as the book of documents. Many clear differences exist between the Shang and Zhou dynasties. During the Zhou dynasty, many changes were made to the way of life for people. Human sacrifices and voluntary accompaniment were on a big decline, which could show a change in the people’s views of death and the afterlife. In addition, the era of
