COUNTRY: United kingdom

DURATION: 52‘

FORMAT: HD/UHD

Genre: HISTORY & CIVILISATIONS

synopsis

Over 3,500 years ago, the powerful Shang Dynasty emerged from the Central Chinese plains. Their armies were led by a fierce and brilliant general, her name was Fu Hao.

This drama-led documentary tells the dramatic story of a young Shang princess who rises to become the favourite queen, high priestess, and most successful general of one of China’s earliest rulers, King Wuding, who resides in luxurious palaces beside a manmade lake in one of the biggest urban settlements of the Bronze Age.

The Shang were one of the world’s most advanced Bronze Age civilisations. We can trace the origins of Chinese writing back to the Shang Dynasty. It’s the only ancient written language still in active use today. Based on the latest research and archaeological findings, we recreate the eventful life of Fu Hao. The story of China’s first female general is supported by cinematic style re-enactment, CGI, filming in original historic locations, and interviews with leading archaeologists and historians from China, Europe, and America.

The well-preserved tomb of Fu Hao is one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the Bronze Age. It was found at the UNESCO World Heritage site Yinxu. There was something very unusual about this famous queen. Along with exquisite jewellery and elaborate bronze pieces, a multitude of weapons were discovered. This was the grave of a great warrior. In the over 100,000 strong capital Dayishang, the Shang royals worshipped their ancestors by sacrificing large numbers of human captives and 1,000’s of animals.