Source: The practice of human sacrifice was very common in ancient China, particularly during the Shang Dynasty—the first Chinese dynasty with written records. In fact, archaeological evidence suggests that human sacrifice was practiced on a grand scale during the Shang dynasty. The purpose was twofold: political control and religious communication.
Experts believe that there were three types of human sacrifice practiced by the Shang. In pit sacrifices, young men were sacrificed. Their bodies were dismembered and they were buried without their personal possessions. In foundation sacrifices, children and babies were used. Archaeological evidences show that these human sacrifices experienced violent deaths, and they too were buried without possessions. Finally, in internment sacrifices, young girls were sacrificed. Unlike the first two, they were buried in the standard burial position and their bodies were kept intact.