Oracle bones predating the Shang Dynasty have also been found, and in 2003, some archaeologists said they'd found "Neolithic oracle bones" from up to 8,600 years ago.

A batch of high-definition images of more than 300 oracle bones and rubbings from the collection of China's Palace Museum was released. This was reported by The Xinhua News Agency.

A vocation with character A team of researchers strives to unlock the mysteries and meanings of Chinese oracle bone inscriptions, Wang Xin reports in Shanghai.

They were carved by fortune-tellers on turtle shells and ox shoulder blades known as oracle bones, and record questions on everything from weather to taxes.

Archaeologists say the "oracle bones" from ancient China were used in magical attempts to predict the future.