500
In the Shang Dynasty, Kings used oracle bones to ask their ancestors advice on important matters. Explain how the oracle bone was used.
Oracle bones were made from turtle shells or the shoulder blade of a cow. A holy man would make a statement, such as "Tomorrow is a good day for the hunt". Then the holy man pressed a hot needle against the back of the bone. The heat made the bone crack. The pattern of the crack was believed to be a message, which the holy man or king translated.