Research on the Forms of Fang-guo in the Shang Dynasty
The concept of"Fang"was put forward by the self-centered Shang dynasty,containing the political connotation of"being on the edge of governance",and is referred to as Fang-guo by the modern academic community.Fang-guo of the Shang dynasty had a hierarchical structure and could be divided into Fang-guo of the single type and Fang-guo of the composite type.Fang-guo of the single type had a sparse population and narrow settlements.It may still be in the transitional stage towards an early state due to its maintenance of kinship and clan-style management.Fang-guo of the composite type was a complex of the former,which could be formed through two ways:natural differentiation and political formation.Fang-guo formed through natural differentiation could not establish centralized rule,and its various branches were equal and independent,with loose internal organization.Fang-guo formed through political formation was a regional political power established through military and diplomatic approaches,which had entered into the early stage of state,but its quantity was rare.The majority of Fang-guo in the Shang dynasty were in the"pre-state stage",and the power system was shaped based on blood ties.Fang-guo was often in an alternative state of"rebellion and obedience",because it may be difficult for it to form national identification with the Shang dynasty.
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