Which of the following events is associated with the Shang Dynasty?

The Shang Dynasty, which ruled from around 1600 to 1046 BCE, is notable for several significant advancements in Chinese civilization, particularly in writing and culture. One of the key achievements of the Shang Dynasty was the development and standardization of logographic writing. This writing system, where characters represent words or morphemes, laid the foundation for the Chinese written language that continues to influence communication in China today. The use of oracle bones for divination, which included inscriptions in this logographic system, highlights the importance of writing during the Shang period for both administrative record-keeping and religious practices.

In contrast, while the introduction of iron, the fall of the Xia Dynasty, and the creation of Confucianism are significant in Chinese history, they are not directly associated with the Shang Dynasty. Ironworking became more prominent in later dynasties, particularly the Zhou. The Xia Dynasty is considered the legendary predecessor to the Shang, and its historical accuracy is debated. Confucianism, on the other hand, was founded much later during the Han Dynasty, well after the Shang had declined. This context underscores the importance of the Shang Dynasty's contributions to writing and civilization.